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 offensive 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 activities of terrorists reportedly holding kidnapped victims within the area.
According to military authorities, troops swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle after making contact with the criminal group.
The coordinated assault reportedly overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
During the operation, troops neutralised two terrorists, while subsequent exploitation of the area led to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims comprising nine men, 10 women and 13 children.
Security forces also destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and life-support structures within the enclave in an effort to deny the criminals operational bases in the area.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, one General Purpose Machine Gun butt, one revolver chamber, eight PKT ammunition links, one fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition and 10 motorcycles.
Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the operation.
The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated to safety and are currently receiving medical attention and other necessary care.
The military described the operation as another major success in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the North West, noting that recent operational gains reflected the commitment and resilience of the Armed Forces and collaborating security agencies.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the theatre command commended residents for their continued cooperation and urged the public to sustain timely intelligence sharing with security agencies to support ongoing operations across the region.
