Military Launches Fresh Offensive, Rescues 31 Victims And Eliminates Terrorist Kingpin

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 31 kidnapped victims during separate operations conducted across Katsina and Kebbi States on September 14 and 15.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the operations also resulted in the deaths of two suspected terrorists, including a man identified by the military as a known terrorist kingpin, while two other suspects were arrested.

The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed that troops rescued 10 victims in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State and another 21 victims in Fafala, Kebbi State, following encounters with suspected terrorists.

In Katsina, troops of Sector 2 reportedly launched a pursuit after receiving information about the abduction of civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua on September 14. The troops engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle before successfully rescuing 10 victims comprising three males and seven females, including an infant. The rescued victims were subsequently taken into military custody for further action.

On the same day in Kebbi State, troops responded to a distress call concerning the abduction of residents of Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area. Acting on intelligence, the troops reportedly conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they encountered the suspected terrorists.

A heavy exchange of gunfire reportedly followed, forcing the terrorists to retreat into the surrounding area. Further military operations subsequently led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, who were later reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, troops also foiled an alleged attempt by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State on September 15.

Danja said the troops acted on intelligence and moved towards the terrorists’ hideout, where they engaged the group with superior firepower. Two suspected terrorists were killed during the operation, including Abbah Alhassan, whom the military identified as a terrorist kingpin. Other members of the group reportedly escaped into the surrounding bush.

The troops recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp from the area.

In a separate operation on September 15, troops arrested two suspected terrorists around the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the suspects were allegedly linked to a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

The Joint Task Force said the operations demonstrate its continued efforts to rescue kidnapped victims, disrupt terrorist networks and restrict the movement of armed groups within its area of operation.

The military also appreciated members of the public for their continued support and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.