Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorist Attack, Recover PKT Machine Gun in North-West Operations

Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped women and foiled a planned terrorist attack during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The military said the successful operations, carried out between June 22 and 23, also led to the recovery of a PKT machine gun, ammunition, motorcycles, military accoutrements and other items believed to have been used by terrorists.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops recorded the successes as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and improve security across the North-West region.

The statement disclosed that troops conducting a routine offensive patrol in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on June 22 rescued three female kidnap victims who were abandoned by their captors following sustained military pressure.

The victims were identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu from Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as well as Hafsat Ibrahim, 20, and Halira Usman, 17, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Military authorities said the victims had spent about three months in captivity before regaining their freedom.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for comprehensive medical evaluation and appropriate care,” the statement noted.

In a separate operation on June 23, troops of the 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA laid an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State following credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists planning an attack.

The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists with heavy fire upon contact, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee the area.

Items recovered from the scene included one PKT machine gun, a cache of ammunition, two motorcycles and chains suspected to have been used to restrain kidnapped victims.

Military authorities described the operations as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led missions and the sustained offensive campaign against terrorists and bandits operating in the region.

The statement added that the rescue of the victims and recovery of weapons underscored the vigilance, professionalism and commitment of troops to protecting communities across the North-West.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its determination to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements until peace, security and normalcy are fully restored across the region.