Army Rescues 31 Abductees, Neutralises Five Terrorists in North-West

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 31 kidnapped victims and neutralised five suspected terrorists during coordinated operations across Zamfara and Katsina states.

According to a statement by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Olaniyi Osoba, the operations involved both air and ground assaults targeting terrorist enclaves in the North-West.

The rescued victims were freed during an operation around the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following a precision airstrike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and subsequent ground offensive on forest-based hideouts.

The victims, reportedly held for weeks, came from communities in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. The army said they have received medical attention and will be reunited with their families.

In a separate engagement along the Maradun–Gidan Dan Jaja axis, troops killed two suspected terrorists and destroyed several camps, recovering locally fabricated rifles and motorcycles used by the criminals.

Another encounter in Katsina State along Ruwan Godiya and Sayaya Road led to the killing of three suspected terrorists. The army also recovered ammunition and motorcycles allegedly used in planned attacks.

The military said one of the neutralised suspects was linked to a notorious bandit leader, as operations continue to dismantle criminal networks across the region.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustained offensive operations aimed at restoring security in the North-West.