Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped women and foiled a planned terrorist attack during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday by its Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, saying the successes were recorded through intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the region.
He added that troops recovered a machine gun, ammunition, motorcycles and other operational items.
According to the statement, troops conducting a routine offensive patrol in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on June 22 rescued three female kidnap victims who were abandoned by their captors following sustained military pressure.
The victims, identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu of Gara Zaima village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as well as Hafsat Ibrahim, 20, and Halira Usman, 17, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, had reportedly spent about three months in captivity.
Military authorities said the victims were immediately evacuated for medical evaluation and appropriate care.
In a separate operation on June 23, troops of the 8 Division Garrison under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State, to intercept terrorists reportedly moving to launch attacks.
The troops engaged the suspects upon contact, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. Items recovered at the scene included a PKT machine gun, ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used to restrain captives, and other operational materials.
The task force said the operations underscored the effectiveness of its intelligence-led strategy and sustained offensive posture against terrorist and bandit groups operating in the North-West.
It added that troops would continue to maintain pressure on criminal elements across the region until lasting peace and security are restored.
