Nigerian troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims, foiled planned terrorist attacks and arrested suspected extremists in a series of intelligence-led operations across Kaduna and Zamfara states.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call on June 18 regarding the movement of armed bandits in a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
During the operation, the troops rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Mrs Habibah Sadisu, 30, and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who were reportedly abandoned by fleeing bandits after sighting advancing troops.
The victims were evacuated to a primary healthcare facility in Kadage for medical treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that they were abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17 and were being moved to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before their rescue.
In a separate operation on June 20, troops of Sector 2, working alongside other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Acting on intelligence, the troops laid an ambush on the outskirts of Gummi community and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to retreat.
Military authorities said weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food items were recovered during the operation.
The statement also disclosed that troops, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, conducted a covert operation in Zamfara State which led to the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants.
Several incriminating items were reportedly recovered from the suspects, who are currently in custody for further investigation.
Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman after inconsistencies were observed in his account of his identity and activities. He is also undergoing investigation.
Meanwhile, troops operating in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State repelled a terrorist attack after receiving reinforcement from troops of 1 Brigade.
According to the military, the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the encounter, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal route. However, three soldiers were killed during the operation.
In another development, troops acting on intelligence intercepted terrorists riding motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area.
The military said an aggressive fighting patrol forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before carrying out any attack, allowing troops to secure the affected communities.
