Troops Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims, Recover Vehicles in Zamfara Anti-Terror Operations

Thirteen kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, carried out separate intelligence-driven operations in Anka and Kaura Namoda local government areas of Zamfara State.

The successful missions also led to the recovery of two vehicles and disrupted the activities of armed terrorists operating in the affected communities, according to the Joint Task Force.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the first operation was conducted by troops of Sector Two in Bagega after receiving credible intelligence about terrorists moving on motorcycles towards Tungan Kudaduku in Anka Local Government Area.

Supported by real-time surveillance, the troops tracked the suspects and engaged them with superior firepower. The terrorists reportedly fled the scene under pressure, abandoning their planned operation.

A follow-up search of the area led soldiers to a makeshift terrorist camp, where five kidnapped victims were found and rescued unharmed.

In a separate operation at Unguwan Rogo in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops responded to intelligence reports of terrorist activity and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. The attackers retreated after the exchange, leaving behind eight kidnapped victims who were safely rescued.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of two vehicles believed to have been abandoned during the terrorists’ escape.

Lt.-Col. Danja confirmed that all 13 rescued victims have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for medical care and further support. He added that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations across the North-West to dismantle terrorist networks and deny criminal groups freedom of movement.