Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Rescue Over 95 Kidnap Victims, Disrupt Terrorist Networks in North-West
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued more than 95 kidnapped victims in a series of operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a press statement, noting that the operations also disrupted terrorist logistics and arms-trafficking networks across the North-West.
A major breakthrough was recorded 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, enabling more than 60 victims to escape from their captors.
On the ground, troops rescued three victims along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina State on September 17, while three others were rescued in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State on September 18.
In Sokoto State, troops rescued 17 victims along the Isa-Kwanar Isa axis on September 20.
The operations also led to the rescue of seven kidnapped university students along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina State on September 21.
On September 24, troops rescued five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, at Sekpore Village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, troops sustained operations against terrorist logistics and arms-trafficking networks, arresting four suspected members of a terrorist group near Illela, Sokoto State, on September 20, while they were allegedly conveying rustled cattle.
Between September 23 and 24, troops engaged terrorists near the railway line in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, recovering a rifle and ammunition.
Another suspect was arrested at Awom community in the same local government area with a locally fabricated pistol.
In Katsina State, three suspects were arrested in Faskari Local Government Area on September 24 while allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million in cash reportedly intended for a suspected terrorist kingpin.
Major General Onoja said the operations demonstrated 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.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Rescue Over 95 Kidnap Victims, Disrupt Terrorist Networks in North-West