Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 13 kidnapped victims during separate intelligence-driven operations carried out in Anka and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
The successful operations were disclosed in a statement issued in Gusau by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, the first operation was conducted by troops of Sector 2, stationed in Bagega, after receiving credible intelligence about the movement of armed terrorists riding motorcycles towards Tungan Kudaduku in Anka Local Government Area.
The military explained that the troops relied on real-time surveillance to track the suspects before pursuing and engaging them in a gun battle.
Faced with superior firepower from the troops, the terrorists reportedly abandoned their operation and fled from the area.
Following the engagement, soldiers carried out a search operation that led to the discovery of a makeshift terrorist camp hidden within the area.
During the operation, five kidnapped victims were found and rescued without sustaining any injuries.
The statement noted that the prompt response prevented the terrorists from carrying out further criminal activities.
In another intelligence-led operation at Ungwan Rogo in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops moved against suspected terrorists after receiving reports of their activities.
The military said the troops encountered the suspects and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Unable to withstand the sustained offensive, the terrorists reportedly retreated from the location, abandoning their captives as they fled.
The operation resulted in the rescue of eight additional kidnapped victims.
Troops also recovered two vehicles believed to have been used during the terrorists’ operations.
According to the military, all 13 rescued victims have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for medical attention, documentation and other necessary support.
The Joint Task Force further disclosed that troops have continued to dominate the operational environment to prevent terrorists from regrouping.
It added that security forces remain committed to denying criminal elements freedom of movement while sustaining offensive operations across the North-West.
The military reiterated that intelligence-driven operations would continue as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in affected communities.
