Troops rescue 13 kidnap victims, storm terrorist camp in Zamfara operation

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North West), operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 13 kidnap victims and foiled a planned terrorist operation during a coordinated attack in Anka and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

The successful mission, executed by Sector 2 personnel, forced the fleeing terrorists to abandon their captives and retreat under continued military pressure.

This was stated by the Joint Task Force Information Media Officer Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja in his statement, Wednesday.

According to the statement, the first operation was carried out after credible intelligence indicated that heavily armed terrorists riding motorbikes were moving towards Tungan Kudaduku in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area.

Acting on intelligence, the troops tracked the movements of the suspects and launched an aggressive attack.

“Guided by real-time surveillance, troops pursued and engaged terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee.

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“Continued searches in the area resulted in the discovery of a temporary terrorist camp, where five kidnapped civilians were rescued unharmed,” the statement read.

In another operation in Ungwan Rogo in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, security forces responded to new intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists in the area.

The troops reportedly engaged in a fierce firefight with the criminals, forcing them to flee while abandoning their captives.

“Upon contact, they engaged in a fierce firefight with the terrorists, forcing them to retreat in chaos and abandon their captives. Eight kidnapped victims were rescued, and two vehicles were recovered,” the statement added.

The military said the 13 rescued victims had been safely evacuated and handed over to authorities for medical attention, documentation and other necessary support.

He added that operations in the North West region were still ongoing, with troops maintaining pressure on armed groups and consolidating progress recorded in the latest offensive.

“Forces continue to dominate the general area, impeding terrorists’ freedom of action and continuing to exert pressure on criminal elements operating throughout the theater area,” the statement said.

This latest rescue operation is part of the military’s ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist networks, secure vulnerable communities and restore peace in Zamfara and other states in the North West.