Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, alongside personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two terrorists during a major offensive operation in Katsina State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists harbouring kidnapped victims in the area.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight.
He said the troops overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee in disarray.
During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised, while troops successfully rescued 32 kidnapped victims comprising nine men, 10 women, and 13 children.
The troops also destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and life-support structures within the enclave to deny the criminals operational bases in the area.
Items recovered during the operation include two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, one revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles.
Additionally, troops recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety and are currently receiving medical attention and necessary care.
Lieutenant Colonel Danja said the operational success demonstrates the commitment and resilience of troops and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality in the North-West region.
He also appreciated the support of residents and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations across the theatre.
