Nigerian troops rescued 31 kidnapped people and killed five suspected terrorists during a series of military operations in the northwestern states of Zamfara and Katsina, the army said on Friday.
The operations were carried out by troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division and Sector 2 of the operation.
The army said the 31 hostages were freed during an operation around the Bagega-Kawaye axis of Anka Local Government Area in Zamfara State following what it described as a precision air strike by the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a subsequent ground assault on terrorist hideouts west of Bagega Forest.
According to the statement, the victims had spent several weeks in captivity and were from the communities of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
“The rescued victims, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were said to be indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States,” the army said.
It added that the victims had received medical attention and would be reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Zamfara, troops engaged suspected terrorists along the Maradun-Gidan Dan Jaja axis, killing two gunmen and destroying camps allegedly used by criminal groups.
The military said several locally fabricated rifles and four motorcycles were recovered during the raid.
Meanwhile, troops in neighbouring Katsina State intercepted suspected terrorists along the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area as they were allegedly moving to launch an attack.
Three suspected terrorists were killed during the ensuing gun battle, while troops recovered motorcycles and ammunition, the statement said.
The army identified one of those killed as a foot soldier of a notorious terrorist leader known as Muhammad Fulani.
“The military reiterated that Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to eliminating terrorism and other criminal activities across the North-West,” the statement said, adding that efforts would continue to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region.
