Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North-West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, working alongside personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and killed two suspected terrorists during a major operation in Katsina State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday at Dikawa Village in Matazu following intelligence reports on terrorist activities in the area.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops reportedly moved swiftly to the location after receiving credible intelligence and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle.
“The troops subsequently engaged the criminals in a fierce and well-coordinated firefight that overwhelmed the terrorists and forced them to abandon their captives while fleeing in disarray,” the statement said.
According to the military, two terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while 32 kidnap victims were rescued.
The rescued victims comprised nine men, 10 women and 13 children.
The statement also noted that troops destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and logistical structures in the area to prevent the criminals from re-establishing operations.
Items recovered during the raid included two AK-47 rifles, 15 loaded AK-47 magazines, a General Purpose Machine Gun butt, a revolver chamber, PKT ammunition links, a fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition and 10 motorcycles.
Security operatives also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation.
The military said the rescued victims had been evacuated to safety and were receiving medical care and other necessary assistance.
“The continued operational successes recorded by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA remain a testament to the commitment, professionalism, and resilience of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities within the North West region,” the statement added.
The task force further urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations across the region.
