Troops Raid Terrorist Hideouts in Katsina, Zamfara, Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified their offensive against terrorists and bandits in the North-West, rescuing seven kidnapped victims and foiling separate abduction attempts in Katsina and Zamfara states.

The successful operations, carried out under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, formed part of ongoing counter-terrorism and search-and-rescue efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring security across the region.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops recorded the successes during coordinated operations conducted on June 16.

According to him, troops executing Operation CLEAN SWEEP 3 launched a fresh offensive against terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation, he explained, was designed to build on recent gains recorded in the rescue of the wife of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and to further weaken terrorist networks operating in the area.

During the operation, troops stormed a suspected terrorist hideout in Fafu Village, forcing the criminals to abandon their camp and flee under intense military pressure.

“Overwhelmed by the aggressive assault and superior firepower of the troops, the terrorists abandoned their camp and fled,” the statement said.

The troops subsequently cleared the hideout and rescued four kidnapped victims who had been held captive by the terrorists.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during their ordeal.

In a related operation in Zamfara State, troops thwarted a planned kidnapping attack in Zurmi town, Zurmi Local Government Area, after responding swiftly to a distress call from residents.

The terrorists had reportedly infiltrated the community with the intention of abducting residents before troops engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

Unable to withstand the superior firepower of the military, the attackers abandoned the operation and escaped from the area.

Following a clearance operation, troops rescued three victims who had already been abducted and ensured their safe return.

The military said the latest successes reflect the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist and bandit groups across the North-West theatre of operations.

“These operational successes underscore Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s relentless commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West,” Danja stated.

He added that troops remain determined to sustain offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements until lasting peace and stability are restored in affected communities.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA has in recent months intensified military operations across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and neighbouring states as part of efforts to curb banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in the region.