Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two suspected terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 abducted persons in Zamfara State during coordinated security operations, the Nigerian Army has said.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to Osoba, the operation in Kebbi State followed intelligence reports on the movement of suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group along the border between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
He said troops laid an ambush at Kerani village, where they engaged the suspects, killing two of them and recovering two motorcycles.
Osoba added that the neutralised terrorists were dressed in camouflage uniforms and were riding motorcycles fitted with thick padding and equipment designed for long-distance movement, including hand tyre pumps.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, troops raided the Munhaye Forest, a known hideout of a bandit leader identified as Kachalla Alti, following intelligence that abducted victims were being held in the area.
The raid led to the rescue of 62 kidnapped persons, who are currently in safe custody, Osoba said, adding that arrangements are underway to reunite them with their families after preliminary screening and necessary support.
“These successes reflect the relentless efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle criminal networks, restore security, and protect lives in the region,” he said.
He noted that the operations were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups as part of sustained efforts to curb banditry and terrorism in the North-West.
