Troops Rescue 27 Kidnap Victims in Sokoto, Zamfara Operations
By Victor Idajili
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 27 kidnap victims and foiled several abduction attempts during coordinated operations in Sokoto and Zamfara states on July 20 and 21.
The Joint Task Force, North West, said the missions were carried out based on credible intelligence about terrorist movements in the affected areas.
According to a statement by the Theatre Command Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops from the Forward Operating Bases at Shagari and Sifawa moved into Wanke and Kaura communities in Shagari Local Government Area on Monday.
The troops engaged terrorists at Kaura community and forced them to flee. During the operation, six kidnap victims were rescued. The troops also recovered livestock and two motorcycles. The victims have since been reunited with their families.
In another operation the same day, troops at FOB Gandi working with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps rescued 10 victims at Badanma community in Gandi LGA.
Intelligence sources said the operation was conducted around 5pm by troops of 1 Brigade following actionable information on terrorist movement. The sources said the attackers fled in the face of superior firepower and abandoned their captives.
The rescued victims men, women and children had escaped and were found wandering in the bush. They were handed over to community leaders and reunited with their families. A pursuit operation is ongoing to track the fleeing suspects.
Troops of a Combat Team also rescued 11 kidnap victims along the Gummi-Sokoto road on Tuesday.
The terrorists had reportedly blocked the highway to abduct commuters but were dislodged after troops engaged them. The criminals fled and abandoned a motorcycle as well as the 11 victims they had seized.
The Theatre Command commended the troops for their swift response and thanked members of the public for providing timely information.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies as operations to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks in the region continue.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and destroy their hideouts as part of sustained operations against kidnapping and banditry in Sokoto State.
