Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate intelligence-led operations across Katsina State.
The military said the operations were carried out in Faskari, Bakori and Danmusa Local Government Areas as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities in the North-West.
In Faskari Local Government Area, troops on a fighting patrol rescued nine kidnap victims comprising three women, four men and two children.
According to the military, preliminary findings showed that the victims were abducted on July 9 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in neighbouring Zamfara State.
The victims told troops they escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep before they were intercepted and rescued during the patrol.
They are currently in safe custody and are undergoing profiling ahead of their reunification with their families.
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In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence responded to an attempt by suspected terrorists to rustle livestock.
The military said the suspects opened fire on the troops but fled into nearby bushes after being overpowered.
Troops subsequently recovered 56 rustled animals comprising four cattle and 52 sheep. The livestock remain in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.
Elsewhere, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect are believed to have links to terrorist activities, according to the military. The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue.
Commending the troops, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, praised their professionalism, vigilance and resilience in ongoing operations across the region.
He said the task force would continue intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local communities until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively curtailed in the North-West.
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