Troops Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims, Foil Terrorists Operations in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 13 kidnapped victims during separate intelligence-led operations in Anka and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, dealing another setback to terrorist groups operating in the North-West.

The successful operations were disclosed in a statement issued in Gusau by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, who said the troops acted on credible intelligence to disrupt planned terrorist activities and secure the release of the abducted victims.

According to the military, the first operation was carried out by troops of Sector 2, headquartered in Bagega, after receiving intelligence that armed terrorists riding on motorcycles were advancing toward Tungan Kudaduku in Anka Local Government Area.

Supported by real-time surveillance, the troops swiftly moved into the area and engaged the terrorists in a firefight. The superior response forced the armed men to abandon their mission and flee into nearby bushes under sustained military pressure.

Following the encounter, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and uncovered a makeshift terrorist camp, where five kidnapped victims were found and rescued unharmed.

In a separate operation in Ungwan Rogo, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops again acted on intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists in the community.

The military said the troops confronted the suspects in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat from the area. As they fled, the terrorists abandoned eight kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued by the troops.

Security personnel also recovered two vehicles believed to have been abandoned during the operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Danja said all 13 rescued victims have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for medical attention, profiling and other necessary support before reunification with their families.

He added that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and criminal groups across the North-West.

According to him, troops continue to dominate the operational environment through intelligence-driven missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement, dismantling their hideouts and restoring security to affected communities.

The latest rescues underscore the military's ongoing efforts to intensify pressure on armed groups responsible for kidnappings and other violent crimes in Zamfara and neighbouring states.