Troops Rescue Kidnapped Victims and Prevent Terrorist Attacks in Kaduna and Zamfara

Nigerian troops of the Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued three kidnapped victims, disrupted planned terrorist attacks, and arrested suspected extremists in a series of intelligence‑led operations across Kaduna and Zamfara states.

The military released this information in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, troops from Sector 1 responded to a distress call on 18 June regarding the movement of armed bandits in a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

During the operation, the troops rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Mrs Habibah Sadisu, 30, and a one‑year‑old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who had reportedly been abandoned by fleeing bandits after the bandits spotted advancing troops.

The victims were taken to a primary healthcare facility in Kadage for medical treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that they had been abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on 17 May and were being moved to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before their rescue.

In a separate operation on 20 June, troops from Sector 2, working with other security agencies, thwarted a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Acting on intelligence, the troops set an ambush on the outskirts of the Gummi community and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to retreat.

Military authorities said weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food items were recovered during the operation.

The statement also disclosed that troops, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, carried out a covert operation in Zamfara State that led to the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants.

Several incriminating items were reportedly recovered from the suspects, who are currently in custody for further investigation.

Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman after inconsistencies were observed in his account of his identity and activities. He is also under investigation.

Meanwhile, troops operating in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State repelled a terrorist attack after receiving reinforcement from troops of the 1 Brigade.

According to the military, the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the encounter, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal route. However, three soldiers were killed during the operation.

In another development, troops acting on intelligence intercepted terrorists riding motorcycles toward Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area.

The military said an aggressive fighting patrol forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before carrying out any attack, allowing troops to secure the affected communities.