Emiola Osifeso
In a major breakthrough against insurgency and banditry in the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have rescued nine kidnap victims—three women and six children—after a fierce battle with terrorists in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims, who were abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, were freed when soldiers staged a well-planned ambush against the armed gang along the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda road.
Confirming the operation in a statement on Monday, Captain David Adewusi, the Media Information Officer of OPFY, said the terrorists attempted to resist but were decisively overpowered.
According to him:
“The troops ambushed the criminals, who attempted to use their captives as human shields, but were overpowered in a decisive exchange of fire. Scores of terrorists were neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.”
He added that the rescue was intelligence-driven.
“Our troops acted swiftly based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of the terrorists. The successful rescue demonstrates the operational effectiveness of our forces and the unwavering commitment of Operation Fansan Yamma to dismantle terrorist networks in the region,” he explained.
Following the rescue, the nine victims were immediately taken to the General Hospital in Shinkafi for medical examinations before being handed over to officials of the Shinkafi Local Government Council to be reunited with their families.
At the scene of the encounter, the troops also recovered significant items from the fleeing terrorists, including: One AK-47 rifle with two magazines, 20 rounds of ammunition, one motorcycle, three mobile phones, one desert camouflage uniform.
Captain Adewusi emphasized that the operation was part of the military’s renewed push to secure the North-West and restore peace in communities terrorized by bandits and kidnappers.
He assured: “Operation Fansan Yamma remains resolute and will sustain aggressive operations across the North-West and parts of the North-Central until terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality are completely defeated. Our troops will not relent until citizens can live and move about freely without fear.”
He further called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence.
“The role of the public is critical. We urge residents to keep providing credible information about suspicious movements and hideouts of these criminals. Together, we can deny them the space to operate and finally bring an end to their reign of terror.”
The successful rescue in Zamfara comes as part of ongoing military efforts to secure communities across the troubled northern axis, with authorities describing it as a boost to public confidence in the fight against insurgency.
Discussion about this post