Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued a kidnapped victim, arrested suspects during a joint security raid, and recovered 126 rustled livestock in a series of coordinated operations across Katsina State.
The military disclosed that the operations, carried out on July 26, underscored ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks operating in the North-West while enhancing security for residents of the state.
According to the military, the first operation was launched after troops, working with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, received a distress call about terrorist activity in Karkata Village, Charanchi Local Government Area.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle. Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the fleeing criminals abandoned a kidnapped victim before escaping into nearby bushes.
The victim was rescued unharmed and was later reunited with her family.
In another operation, troops collaborated with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct coordinated raids on suspected criminal hideouts in Wagin, Tundu Mobi and Chadawaki communities in Batsari Local Government Area.
The operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm loaded with five cartridges, alongside other exhibits believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Military authorities said the arrested suspects and recovered exhibits had been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Also on July 26, troops acting on credible intelligence laid an ambush at a suspected terrorist crossing point in Yankwani Village, Bakori Local Government Area, where armed bandits were reportedly moving rustled livestock.
The terrorists fled after encountering the troops, abandoning 126 animals comprising 83 cows and 43 sheep.
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to the Chairman of the Peace Keeping Committee in Bakori in the presence of local government officials to facilitate identification and return to their rightful owners.
Commending the troops for the successful operations, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, praised their courage and professionalism in combating terrorism and other forms of criminality in the region.
“The gallantry and vigilance displayed by the troops in these operations reflect our commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action and protecting innocent citizens,” the commander said.
He reassured residents of Katsina State and the wider North-West region that Operation FANSAN YAMMA would sustain its offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
“The Joint Task Force remains unwavering in its resolve to sustain aggressive operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the region. We urge members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information,” the commander added.
The latest successes form part of ongoing military operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks, curbing kidnapping, and recovering stolen property in Katsina and other states within the North-West theatre of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
