Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have killed eight suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped people during separate security operations in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states over the weekend.
The operations, carried out on 24 and 25 October, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three locally made guns, three motorcycles and other items.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-West, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed the developments in a statement on Monday.
In Katsina State, troops responded to a distress call from farmers near Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area on Saturday following reports of suspected terrorist activity. The soldiers engaged the suspects in a gun battle, killing two while others fled.
During the encounter, the troops rescued Suleiman Umar, 42, who had been kidnapped. They also recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle.
In Kaduna State, six suspected terrorists died during an exchange of gunfire after troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) came under attack along Ungwan Iya in Igabi Local Government Area.
The troops had been pursuing armed men who reportedly attacked Ungwan Mallami village and abducted two residents. Captain Sinivie said the suspects ambushed the pursuing troops, leading to the deadly confrontation.
The soldiers recovered three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms. However, the military did not confirm whether the two residents abducted from Ungwan Mallami had been rescued.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, troops rescued Shehu Chete, 40, and Bugu Bedi, 25, both from Kebbi State, during a surveillance operation in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area, on Sunday. Their captors reportedly abandoned them as soldiers approached.
The victims received medical attention at Bagega Clinic before being taken to a military base.
Captain Sinivie said troops would continue patrols to track fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks. However, the military’s account and reported casualty figures could not be independently verified.
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