Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist in separate operations across Katsina State.
The military disclosed that the victims, comprising three women, four men and two children, were rescued by troops of Sector 2 during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that they were abducted by terrorists on July 9 along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in neighbouring Zamfara State.
According to the military, the victims escaped from their captors after the terrorists reportedly fell asleep and were later intercepted and rescued by troops.
The victims have since been taken into safe custody and are being processed for reunification with their families.
In a separate operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence responded to an attempted livestock rustling incident.
The terrorists reportedly opened fire on the troops but retreated into the bush after being overwhelmed by superior firepower. The operation led to the recovery of 56 rustled livestock, comprising four cattle and 52 sheep, which are being held pending handover to the appropriate authorities.
Troops also arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operations in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The military said preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect revealed materials believed to be linked to terrorist activities, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Commending the troops for the successes recorded, the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised their professionalism, vigilance and resilience.
“We will sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated in the North-West,” he said.
