Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 13 kidnapped victims during two separate intelligence-led operations in Zamfara State after forcing terrorists to flee under heavy fire.
The operations, conducted in Anka and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas, also led to the discovery of a suspected terrorist camp and the recovery of two vehicles abandoned by the fleeing criminals.
In the first operation, troops of Sector 2 deployed in Bagega acted on credible intelligence that armed terrorists riding on motorcycles were advancing towards Tungan Kudaduku in Anka Local Government Area.
Guided by real-time surveillance, the troops swiftly moved to intercept the terrorists, engaging them with overwhelming firepower. Unable to withstand the assault, the terrorists fled the area, abandoning their mission..
A follow-up exploitation of the area led to the discovery of a makeshift terrorist camp, where five kidnapped victims were found and rescued unharmed.
In a separate operation at Ungwan Rogo in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops responded to another intelligence report on terrorist activity in the community.
On making contact, the soldiers engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat in disarray and abandon eight kidnapped victims. Troops also recovered two vehicles left behind during the encounter.
The 13 rescued victims have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for medical attention, profiling and other necessary support.
The latest rescue operation adds to the series of recent successes recorded by Operation FANSAN YAMMA as troops continue to intensify offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the North West. Military authorities said forces remain dominant across the theatre, sustaining pressure on fleeing terrorists and denying them freedom of action.