Troops Kill 10 Bandits, Rescue 31 Hostages In North-West Operations

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed 10 terrorists, rescued 31 kidnapped victims, dismantled several camps, and recovered arms and ammunition in coordinated operations across Zamfara and Katsina States.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the operations in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, and made available to journalists in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Sunday.

According to the statement, the hostages were rescued following a precision air interdiction by the air component of the operation, followed by a ground assault on terrorist enclaves around the western axis of the Bagega Forest.

The rescued victims, who reportedly spent several weeks in captivity, were drawn from Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum, and Anka Local Government Areas in Zamfara State, as well as parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States.

The Army said the rescued persons have received medical attention and will be reunited with their families in due course.

In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops engaged terrorists in the Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis, killing two insurgents, destroying identified camps, and recovering fabricated rifles alongside four operational motorcycles.

Similarly, in Katsina State, troops intercepted terrorists in transit along Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area, where they were reportedly preparing for an imminent attack.

A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the killing of three terrorists, while troops recovered motorcycles and quantities of live ammunition.

The Army said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of action and restore security across affected communities in the North-West.