Terrorists Flee as Troops Free 32 Captives, Kill Two in Katsina
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and killed two suspected terrorists during a major offensive operation in Katsina State.
The operation, conducted by troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, took place in the early hours of Friday at Dikawa Village in Matazu Local Government Area.
Military authorities said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of terrorists holding kidnapped victims within the area.
Acting on the intelligence, troops reportedly mobilised swiftly to the location where they made contact with the armed criminals, leading to a fierce gun battle.
A statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee in disarray.
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During the encounter, two terrorists were neutralised, while troops successfully rescued 32 victims comprising nine men, 10 women and 13 children.
The military said troops also destroyed identified terrorist hideouts and life-support structures within the enclave to prevent the criminals from re-establishing operational bases in the area.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, a General Purpose Machine Gun butt, a revolver chamber, PKT ammunition links, a fabricated hand grenade, assorted ammunition and 10 motorcycles.
Troops also recovered 26 rustled livestock during the raid.
The rescued victims were evacuated to safety and are currently receiving medical attention and care.
The military described the operation as another major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the North-West region.
It also commended residents for their support and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.
By PRNigeria
