Troops Rescue Over 95 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Terrorist Logistics Suspects Across North-West
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued more than 95 kidnapped victims in a series of operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a press statement, saying the operations also disrupted terrorist logistics and arms-trafficking networks across the theatre.
A major breakthrough occurred in Kebbi State, where a Nigerian Air Force jet intercepted terrorists moving with a large number of kidnapped victims in the Bazama area of Sakaba Local Government Area. According to Onoja, the air operation disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled more than 60 victims to escape from their captors.
On the ground, troops rescued three victims along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina on September 17, three others in Bakura LGA of Zamfara on September 18, and 17 victims along the Isa-Kwanar axis in Sokoto State on September 20.
The troops also rescued seven kidnapped university students along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina State on September 21, while five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, were rescued at Sekpore Village in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State on September 24.
Meanwhile, troops continued operations against terrorist logistics and arms-trafficking networks. Four suspected members of a terrorist group were arrested near Illela, Sokoto State, on September 20 while allegedly conveying rustled cattle.
Between September 23 and 24, troops engaged terrorists near the rail line in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State, recovering a rifle and ammunition. Another suspect was arrested at Awom community in the same LGA with a locally fabricated pistol.
In Katsina State, three suspects were arrested in Faskari LGA on September 24 while allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million in cash reportedly intended for a suspected terrorist kingpin.
Major General Onoja said the operations underscored the sustained efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its Air Component to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped victims and dismantle criminal logistics networks across the North-West.
