Troops of “Operation FANSAN YAMMA”have neutralised scores of terrorists and rescued nine persons kidnapped from Sabon Birni local government area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
A statement by the media information officer, Captain Adewusi David, said the feat was achieved in an ambush conducted in Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara State.
He said the operation followed credible intelligence revealing terrorists’ movement within a known crossing point along Isa – Shinkafi – Kaura Namoda Road which links Zamfara and Sokoto states from one end.
He added that the troops lay in wait to ambush the terrorists; however, on noticing the presence of the soldiers in the area, they attempted to use their captives, whom they were escorting, as human shields.
“Consequently, the troops responded methodically and decisively resulting in the neutralization of a handful of terrorists while many others fled with gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
The statement noted that during the operation, troops rescued nine kidnapped victims, comprising three adult females and six underage children.
He said the rescued kidnapped victims who were abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA, were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital Shinkafi for medical attention.
The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists, three mobile phones, and a pair of desert camouflage uniform from the immediate surroundings of the ambush site.
He noted further that the Shinkafi LGA officials who were informed of the rescue operation immediately responded to the victims’ needs while promising to ensure that they would be reunited with their families soon.
The OPFY reassured residents of the North West Zone and parts of the North Central Zone of its determination to sustain aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are completely stamped out of states under the OPFY Theatre.
The statement further urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the theatre.
