Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 10 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt Col Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, five civilians were rescued on August 19 after troops conducting a patrol in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State encountered a terrorist ambush.
The troops responded swiftly, forcing the terrorists to flee the area, while two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists were recovered.
Danja said the rescued civilians were subsequently reunited with their families.
“During the encounter, five civilians were rescued and subsequently reunited with their families, while two motorcycles abandoned by the terrorists were recovered,” he said.
In Kebbi State, troops rescued three kidnapped victims following an intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area on August 18.
Danja said the operation was launched after troops received intelligence on the abduction of the three victims.
“The operation led to the successful rescue of all three victims, who were subsequently profiled and handed over to the appropriate local authorities,” he said.
Similarly, two kidnap victims were rescued in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State after troops responded to reports of terrorist activities in the area.
The rapid mobilisation of the troops reportedly forced the terrorists to flee, leaving the two captives behind.
The victims, however, had sustained gunshot wounds during their ordeal and were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent medical attention.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to track and neutralise the fleeing terrorists,” the military said.
“The Theatre Command commends the troops for their vigilance and swift response and reassures residents of its determination to sustain pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area,” Danja said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist troops in preventing attacks and rescuing victims.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations and enhance the protection of lives and property,” he added.
The latest operations come amid sustained military efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue abducted civilians and restore security across communities in the North-West.
