Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered 94 rustled livestock in separate operations conducted in Kaduna and Kano states.
The operations also saw troops repel a terrorist ambush in Kaduna and disrupt livestock rustling activities in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 1 carried out a clearance operation in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where they encountered terrorists attempting to ambush advancing soldiers.
The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to flee and abandon a motorcycle.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops responded to a distress call reporting the abduction of three civilians and the rustling of livestock around Hayin Babangida in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The troops tracked and engaged the suspected terrorists, leading to the rescue of two female victims who were later reunited with their families.
Danja said the third victim, a male, was found with a gunshot wound allegedly inflicted by the attackers and died while being evacuated for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, troops also responded to reports of terrorist activities in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, where livestock had been rustled from a community.
The soldiers pursued the suspects and made contact with them as they attempted to flee the area.
Overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, the attackers abandoned the stolen livestock and escaped.
Further exploitation operations conducted on Aug. 26 led to the recovery of additional animals, bringing the total number recovered to 94, comprising 57 cows and 37 sheep.
The recovered livestock were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners in the presence of representatives of security agencies and local government authorities.
Danja said the operations underscored the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to sustain pressure on terrorist and criminal elements while protecting lives and livelihoods across the North West.
He added that the Joint Task Force would continue to take the fight to criminal elements through intelligence-driven operations, aggressive patrols and rapid response to threats against communities, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
