Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have rescued nine kidnapped persons from Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State and neutralized scores of terrorists in a successful ambush in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Captain David Adewusi, and made available to Defence Correspondents.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence on terrorists' movement through a known crossing point along the Isa-Shinkafi-Kaura Namoda Road, which links Zamfara and Sokoto States.
The troops laid an ambush for the terrorists, who, upon sighting the soldiers, attempted to use their captives as human shields.
The statement noted that the troops responded methodically and decisively, neutralizing several terrorists while many others escaped with gunshot wounds.
It further explained that during the operation, nine kidnapped victims -- comprising three adult females and six children -- were rescued.
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The victims, abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni LGA, were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Shinkafi for medical attention.
The troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle belonging to the terrorists, three mobile phones, and a pair of desert camouflage uniforms at the ambush site.
The statement added that the victims were later handed over to officials of Shinkafi Local Government, who promptly responded to their needs and assured that efforts were underway to reunite them with their families.
It reassured residents of the North West and parts of the North Central zones of the military's determination to sustain aggressive operations until terrorism and banditry are completely eliminated from areas under the OPFY theatre. It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the region.