On 24 and 25 October, troops of the Joint Task Force North‑West, operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, engaged suspected terrorists in three north‑western states, killing eight militants and liberating three abducted civilians while recovering firearms, motorcycles and other items.
Key details include: eight suspected insurgents were neutralised; three kidnapping victims – a 42‑year‑old man from Katsina, and two men from Kebbi rescued in Zamfara – were freed; an AK‑47, three locally fabricated guns, several motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms were seized; and the forces continue patrols to track remaining suspects.
What occurred in Katsina State?
The statement from Captain Tamuno Sinivie, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North‑West, said troops responded to a distress call from farmers near Machika Dam in Sabuwa LGA. In the ensuing gunfight, two suspected terrorists were killed and a 42‑year‑old man, Suleiman Umar, who had been abducted, was rescued. Recovered items comprised an AK‑47 rifle, a loaded magazine and a motorcycle.
How did the operation unfold in Kaduna State?
In a separate engagement, soldiers from Sector One, cooperating with the Civilian Joint Task Force, intercepted an ambush along Ungwan Iya in Igabi LGA, Kaduna. After receiving a distress alert about an attack on Ungwan Mallami village where two residents had been seized, the troops pursued the assailants. Six suspected terrorists were killed, while the remainder fled. The operation yielded three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.
What was the outcome in Zamfara State?
Sector Two troops conducted a surveillance sweep in Bagega, Anka LGA, on Sunday and located two kidnapped men – Shehu Chete, 40, and Bugu Bedi, 25, both originally from Kebbi State. The suspects fled upon sighting the soldiers, abandoning the victims. The rescued men received medical care at Bagega Clinic before being transferred to a military base for further assessment and eventual family reunification.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma praised the soldiers for their bravery and urged local residents to provide timely, reliable information on suspicious movements to aid ongoing security efforts. The task force affirmed that patrols and search operations remain active across the affected areas to apprehend fleeing suspects, rescue additional abductees and deter further attacks.