Troops Rescue Over 95 Kidnap Victims, Disrupt Terrorist Logistics In North-West

Troops Rescue Over 95 Kidnap Victims, Disrupt Terrorist Logistics In North-West

The coordinated use of air and ground operations by Nigerian security forces has resulted in the rescue of more than 95 kidnapped victims and the arrest of several suspects linked to terrorist logistics across the North-West.

Troops of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, carried out the operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said an Air Force operation in Bazama, Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, disrupted terrorists moving with a large group of abductees, allowing more than 60 victims to escape.

Ground troops also rescued three victims along the Dandume-Damari Road in Katsina on September 17; three in Bakura, Zamfara, on September 18; and 17 along the Isa-Kwanar axis in Sokoto on September 20.

Seven kidnapped university students were rescued along the Daye-Malumfashi Road in Katsina on September 21, while five victims, including the Executive Chairman of Bungudu LGA, were rescued at Sekpore Village in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara, on September 24.

The operations also targeted terrorist supply chains.

Four suspected members of a terrorist group were arrested near Illela, Sokoto, while allegedly transporting rustled cattle. In Kaduna, troops recovered a rifle and ammunition after an encounter with terrorists near the rail line in Kachia LGA and arrested another suspect with a locally fabricated pistol at Awom.

In Faskari LGA, Katsina, three suspects were arrested while allegedly conveying ₦2.7 million reportedly destined for a suspected terrorist kingpin.

Onoja said the operations demonstrated the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its Air Component to rescue hostages, disrupt terrorist movements and dismantle criminal logistics networks across the North-West.