Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised two terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 kidnapped victims in Zamfara State during coordinated military operations across Sector 2, the Nigerian Army has said.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to Osoba, the Kebbi operation was carried out following actionable intelligence on the movement of members of the Lakurawa terrorist group near the border between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
“Troops laid an ambush at Kerani village, where they engaged the terrorists, resulting in the elimination of two of them and the recovery of two motorcycles,” he said.
He added that the neutralised terrorists were dressed in camouflage uniforms and were riding motorcycles padded with thick blankets and fitted with equipment for long-range movement, including hand tyre pumps.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, Osoba said troops stormed Munhaye Forest, a known hideout of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Alti, after intelligence revealed that kidnapped victims were being held in the area.
“The operation led to the successful rescue of 62 kidnapped victims who are now in safe custody,” he stated.
Osoba noted that arrangements are ongoing to reunite the rescued hostages with their families after preliminary screening and the provision of necessary support.
He added that the operations were conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, underscoring a unified effort against banditry and terrorism in the North-West.
“These successes reflect the relentless efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle criminal networks, restore security and protect lives in the region,” he said.
