Troops rescue kidnap victim, recover 126 rustled livestock in Katsina

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso 

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued a kidnapped victim, recovered 126 rustled livestock and arrested suspects during separate operations in Katsina State.

The operations, carried out on July 26, also led to the recovery of a locally fabricated weapon and ammunition in coordinated raids across parts of the state.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops responded to a distress call over terrorist activities at Karkata Village in Charanchi Local Government Area in the early hours of July 26.

He said the troops, working alongside the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, engaged the terrorists with superior firepower while advancing to the scene, forcing them to abandon their captive before fleeing into nearby bushes.

“The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with her family,” the statement said.

In another operation, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), conducted coordinated raids at Wagin, Tundu Mobi and Chadawaki communities in Batsari Local Government Area.

The operation resulted in the arrest of suspects and the recovery of a locally fabricated weapon loaded with five cartridges, alongside other exhibits.

The military said the suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

Similarly, troops acting on credible intelligence laid an ambush at a suspected terrorist crossing point in Yankwani Village, Bakori Local Government Area, where they intercepted suspected terrorists attempting to move rustled livestock.

The terrorists reportedly fled under sustained military pressure, abandoning 126 animals comprising 83 cows and 43 sheep.

According to the statement, the recovered livestock were handed over to the Chairman of the Peace Keeping Committee in Bakori in the presence of local government officials for identification and subsequent return to their rightful owners.

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their gallantry and vigilance, assuring residents of Katsina State and the North-West that the military would sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups in the region.