Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued abducted victims, killed four suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, motorcycles and rustled livestock in coordinated operations across Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states.
Naijaonpoint reports that the military, however, said three soldiers were killed during one of the operations in Zamfara State.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, said troops foiled an attempt by terrorists to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State.
“The vigilant troops engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon their sinister mission and flee,” he said.
Danja said troops later pursued the fleeing terrorists to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village after aerial surveillance spotted them with abducted civilians and rustled livestock.
“Despite encountering a hastily mounted ambush by the retreating terrorists, the troops displayed exceptional courage and superior firepower, fighting through the ambush and compelling the criminals to scatter,” he stated.
In Katsina State, troops raided a suspected terrorist enclave in Matazu Local Government Area on June 22, killing two suspected terrorists.
“The surprise assault completely overwhelmed the terrorists. During the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Danja said.
The troops recovered a PKT assault rifle, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, motorcycles, communication devices and rustled livestock.
In Kaduna State, troops rescued two women and a one-year-old child from kidnappers in the Kerawa area of Igabi Local Government Area.
The victims were identified as Bilkisu Hayatu, 38; Habibah Sadisu, 30; and one-year-old Abdulmutallib Sadisu.
“Acting with speed and precision, the troops combed the area and successfully rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, Mrs Habibah Sadisu and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who had been abandoned by the fleeing criminals upon sighting the advancing troops,” he said.
In Zamfara State, troops foiled planned attacks on communities in Gummi, Maru and Bakura local government areas, recovering weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and food supplies.
Danja said troops in Maru inflicted heavy losses on the attackers.
“Troops inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists, as evidenced by blood trails observed along the criminals’ withdrawal route, indicating substantial losses,” he said.
“Regrettably, three gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter,” he added.
The military also said four suspected violent extremists and informants were arrested in Zamfara, while another suspected terrorist, Muhammad Mamman, was taken into custody for further investigation.
