Nigerian Troops Free 62 Hostages, Kill Two Militants In Northwest Operations
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has said that troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised two terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 hostages in Zamfara state following coordinated operations.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba.
According to him, the Kebbi operation followed actionable intelligence on the movement of members of the Lakurawa terrorist group near the border between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto.
Troops laid an ambush at Kerani village, where they engaged the terrorists, resulting in the elimination of two of them and the recovery of two motorcycles, Osoba said,
adding that the neutralised terrorists were wearing camouflage uniforms and riding motorcycles padded with thick blankets and fitted with equipment for long-range movement, including hand tyre pumps.
In a separate operation in Zamfara, Osoba said troops stormed Munhaye Forest, a known hideout of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Alti, following intelligence that captives were being held in the area.
The operation led to the successful rescue of 62 kidnapped victims who are now in safe custody,” he said.
According to him, arrangements are ongoing to reunite the freed hostages with their families after preliminary screening and necessary support.
Kai a said the operations were conducted in close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, underscoring a unified front against banditry and terrorism in the North-West.
“These successes reflect the relentless efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle criminal networks, restore security and protect lives in the region,” he added.
