Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 23 people who were earlier abducted by terrorists and foiled another kidnap attempt during counter-terrorism operations in Zamfara State.
A statement signed yesterday by the media information officer Col. Aliyu Danja said the operations were carried out in Anka and Bungudu local government areas of the state.
According to the statement, troops on a combat patrol on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka encountered a group of terrorists and successfully secured the release of the 23 victims.
The rescued persons comprised three adult males and 20 females.
Preliminary debriefing revealed that the victims had been abducted from Gummi LGA and held in captivity for about three weeks before their rescue.
“The victims are currently receiving medical attention and other necessary support before being reunited with their families,” the statement said.
In a separate operation in Bungudu LGA, troops acted on credible intelligence when armed bandits infiltrated Dankurmi Town with the intent of abducting residents.
They mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a heavy firefight. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, the bandits fled without abducting anyone.
The army said bloodstains discovered along the terrorists’ withdrawal route indicated that several of the attackers may have sustained serious gunshot wounds during the encounter.
“The troops have maintained a strong presence in the affected areas and are continuing operations to pursue the fleeing terrorists while strengthening security along critical routes and communities across the state,” it added.
