By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and neutralised two terrorists during a major clearance operation in Katsina State.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the movement and hideout of terrorists holding abducted victims in the area.
According to the military, troops swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle. The superior firepower of the troops reportedly overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
During the operation, two terrorists were killed, while troops successfully rescued 32 victims, including nine men, 10 women, and 13 children. Security forces also destroyed identified terrorist camps and life-support structures to prevent the criminals from regrouping.
Items recovered from the operation included two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, a revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles.
Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the raid. The rescued victims have since been evacuated to safety, where they are receiving medical attention and care.
The military described the latest success as a reflection of the commitment and resilience of troops and other security agencies in tackling terrorism and criminality across the North West region.
The Theatre Command further appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to sustain ongoing operations.
