By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnap victims, thwarted attempted abductions and recovered livestock and motorcycles during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The military said this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, who said the operations were conducted between July 20 and 21 following credible intelligence and distress calls from affected communities.
According to the statement, troops from the Forward Operating Bases in Shagari and Sifawa launched the first operation on July 20 after receiving intelligence on terrorist activities in Wanke and Kaura communities of Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists in a gunfight on arrival at Kaura, forcing them to retreat under sustained military fire. Six kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation, while troops recovered livestock believed to have been stolen by the fleeing criminals and two motorcycles. The victims were later reunited with their families.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops deployed at Gandi, working in collaboration with the State Security Community Guard Corps, rescued 10 kidnap victims who had escaped from their abductors.
The victims, including men, women and children, were found wandering in a forest around Badanma community in Gandi Local Government Area of Sokoto State. They were subsequently handed over to community leaders before being reunited with their families.
On July 21, troops of Combat Team 12 responded to a distress call after terrorists reportedly barricaded the Gummi–Sokoto Road in an attempt to abduct motorists and other road users.
The troops swiftly engaged and pursued the assailants, forcing them to abandon the kidnap attempt. Eleven kidnapped persons were rescued during the operation, while one motorcycle was recovered.
“The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response in securing the safe rescue of the victims,” the statement said.
The command also thanked members of the public for providing credible intelligence and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely information.
It added that ongoing operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA were steadily degrading terrorist and criminal networks across the North-West.
