Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescued 31 kidnapped victims and killed five suspected terrorists in separate operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.
Troops from Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA destroyed terrorist camps and recovered guns, motorcycles, and ammo.
Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, made the announcement in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, the 31 victims were rescued during an operation in Zamfara State’s Anka Local Government Area along the Bagega-Kawaye axis.
According to Osoba, the rescue came after a precision air strike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a subsequent ground assault on terrorist sanctuaries west of Bagega Forest.
The victims, who were purportedly held captive for several weeks, were from towns in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states.
“The kidnapped victims were rescued from captivity following a precision air interdiction conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow-on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest,” he stated.
He also stated that the rescued victims had got medical treatment and will be reunited with their relatives.
In a separate operation along the Maradun-Gidan Dan Jaja axis in Zamfara State, troops battled suspected militants, killing two and demolishing several camps.
The troops also seized locally made firearms and four motorcycles reportedly used by the accused.
Meanwhile, troops intercepted suspected terrorists on the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Katsina’s Matazu Local Government Area as they were allegedly preparing to launch an attack.
According to the army, three suspected terrorists were killed during the battle, and motorcycles and ammunition were seized.
Osoba stated that one of the suspects slain was a foot soldier associated with famed bandit leader Muhammad Fulani.
He emphasised Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s commitment to ongoing offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups in the North-West region.