Troops kill eight terrorists and rescue three kidnap victims in the Northwest

Troops from the Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have killed eight suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.

These operations took place between Saturday and Sunday. The troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, three locally made guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses, and various charms.

Captain Tamuno Sinivie, the Media Information Officer of the task force, shared this information in a statement on Monday.

Sinivie explained that troops from Sector One responded to a distress call from farmers at Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday, October 24. Reports of terrorist activities in the area prompted the response.

The troops quickly moved to the site and engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, killing two while the others ran away. “During the operation, troops also rescued Mr Suleiman Umar, aged 42, who had been kidnapped by the terrorists,” he said.

A follow-up search led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a magazine filled with ammunition and a motorcycle. In another operation on the same day, Sector One troops, along with the Civilian Joint Task Force, prevented a terrorist ambush in Ungwan Iya, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing six suspected terrorists.

According to Sinivie, the troops acted on a distress call reporting an attack on Ungwan Mallami village, where two people were abducted. While chasing the fleeing suspects, the troops came under attack but responded with stronger firepower.

“The troops responded swiftly with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of the terrorists, while others fled in disarray,” the statement said. This operation also led to the recovery of three locally made guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses, and various charms.

In the meantime, troops from Sector Two rescued two kidnapped victims in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Sunday, October 25. The victims were identified as Shehu Chete, 40, and Bugu Bedi, 25, both from Kebbi State.

Sinivie mentioned that troops spotted suspected terrorists during surveillance operations in the area and quickly launched a fighting patrol. He added that the suspects ran away upon seeing the approaching troops, leaving the two victims behind.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to Bagega Clinic for medical attention before being moved to the military base for further assessment and subsequent reunion with their families,” he said.

The military spokesman noted that troops have stepped up patrols and search operations in the affected areas. This is to catch fleeing suspects, rescue other captives, and prevent future attacks. He also said that the Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma praised the troops for their bravery and hard work.

Sinivie encouraged residents to assist the military operations by giving timely and reliable information about suspicious activities in their communities.