Troops kill two terrorists, rescue kidnap victim

By Imisoluwa Afunmiso

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, killed two terrorists, rescued a kidnap victim, arrested eight suspected collaborators, and recovered 110 rustled cattle during coordinated operations across the North-West between June 27 and 28.

The operations targeted terrorist and bandit activities in parts of Kaduna and Zamfara states. According to the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the sustained offensive operations dealt a significant blow to criminal networks operating within the region.

Danja said troops of Sector 1, working alongside members of the Vigilante Group, engaged terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles during fighting patrols in the Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas of Kaduna State on June 27.

He explained that after an intense exchange of gunfire, the terrorists abandoned two motorcycles and fled into the nearby bushes. One kidnapped victim was rescued alive, while the body of another victim, who had been killed by the terrorists, was recovered.

In another operation on the same day, troops responded to reports of a terrorist attack on Dariya Village in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Before the arrival of security personnel, the attackers had reportedly killed one civilian and injured three others.

The troops pursued the fleeing terrorists and intercepted them as they attempted to escape on motorcycles. During the gun battle that followed, two terrorists were killed. Security operatives also recovered one motorcycle, ammunition, charms, and other personal belongings from the scene.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, acting on intelligence, arrested two suspects in Magami, Gusau Local Government Area, over alleged links to terrorist groups.

The suspects were believed to have provided medical assistance to the criminal groups.

Similarly, troops on patrol around Polewire Village in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State arrested six suspects under suspicious circumstances after a confrontation with fleeing terrorists.

The suspects are currently undergoing investigation, as residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security operatives to aid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.