Army rescues 25 kidnap victims in Katsina, Zamfara operations

The Nigerian Army has rescued 25 people abducted by terrorists in separate operations across Katsina and Zamfara states.

The rescue operations were carried out on Thursday by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, the military formation responsible for counter-terrorism operations in the North-West.

Aliyu Danja, media information officer of the joint task force (North-West), confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday.

In Katsina State, troops on a night patrol around Kwanar Kura in Sabuwa Local Government Area encountered terrorists and engaged them, forcing the attackers to retreat into nearby bushes.

The soldiers followed the fleeing terrorists along their escape routes and recovered two victims who had previously been abducted along the Dandume-Damari road.

Two motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were also recovered during the operation, Danja said.

A separate operation in Zamfara State resulted in the rescue of 23 abducted civilians.

“Similarly, in Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2, while conducting a fighting patrol on the outskirts of Wuya Town in Anka Local Government Area, rescued 23 abducted civilians comprising three males and 20 females,” the statement reads.

The military spokesman said initial information obtained from the rescued victims indicated that they were abducted from Gummi Local Government Area and had spent about three weeks in captivity.

“Preliminary debriefing revealed that the victims were abducted from Gummi Local Government Area and had been held in terrorist captivity for approximately three weeks.

The rescued civilians were later taken to a medical facility for treatment before undergoing further debriefing.

“The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated for medical attention and further debriefing.”

Danja described the operations as evidence of the troops’ commitment to protecting civilians, disrupting terrorist activities and freeing people held captive within the joint operations area.

He added that the troops would continue their offensive against the terrorists in a bid to restrict their movements and operational capabilities.