Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims in Zamfara

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma while on patrol have rescued 23 people kidnapped by terrorists on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka, Zamfara State.

Statement signed yesterday by media information officer

Colonel Aliyu Danja, media information officer in a statement on Saturday said the operation was troops carrying out combat patrols on the outskirts of Wuya City in Anka confronting a group of terrorists and succeeded in freeing 23 victims.

The rescued victims consisted of three adult men and 20 women.

Initial debriefing revealed that the victims had been abducted from Gummi LGA and held for about three weeks before they were rescued.

“The victims are currently receiving medical attention and other necessary support before being reunited with their families,” the statement said.

In a separate operation in Bungudu LGA, troops acted on credible intelligence when armed bandits infiltrated Dankurmi Town with the aim of kidnapping residents.

They moved into the area and engaged in a fierce firefight with the attackers. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, the bandits fled without kidnapping anyone.

The army said bloodstains found along the terrorists’ exit route indicated that some of the attackers may have suffered serious gunshot wounds during the clash.

“Troops have maintained a strong presence in the affected areas and are continuing operations to pursue the fleeing terrorists while strengthening security along key routes and communities across the state,” he added.