Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims in Matazu Axis Days After Freeing Late General Rabe’s Wife
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims in Matazu Axis Days After Freeing Late General Rabe’s Wife
Foil Fresh Abduction Attempts in Katsina, Zamfara as Anti-Banditry Offensive Intensifies
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued seven kidnapped victims in fresh operations conducted in the Matazu axis of Katsina State, the same general area where the wife of the late former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd.), was recently freed from captivity.
The troops also foiled coordinated abduction attempts in Katsina and Zamfara states as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and search-and-rescue operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring security across the North-West region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops conducting Operation CLEAN SWEEP 3 intensified offensive operations against terrorist enclaves in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to the military, the operation was launched to sustain pressure on bandit groups operating in the area and build on recent successes, including the rescue of the spouse of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar.
Acting on intelligence, troops stormed a suspected terrorist hideout in Fafu Village, Matazu LGA, where they engaged criminal elements in a decisive operation.
Overwhelmed by the troops’ aggressive assault and superior firepower, the terrorists reportedly abandoned their camp and fled, leaving behind some of their captives.
Following a thorough clearance of the hideout, troops rescued four kidnapped victims, who are currently receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during their ordeal.
In a related development, troops deployed in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State successfully thwarted a planned mass abduction after armed terrorists infiltrated Zurmi town with the intention of kidnapping residents.
Military sources said troops responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
Unable to withstand the intense military pressure, the terrorists abandoned their operation and escaped into nearby forests.
Subsequent search and exploitation operations in the area led to the rescue of three additional abducted victims, who have since been reunited with their families.
The military said the operations demonstrate the growing effectiveness of ongoing offensives against terrorist and bandit groups across the North-West.
“These operational successes underscore Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West. Troops remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations to deny terrorists and bandits freedom of action while restoring lasting peace and normalcy to affected communities,” the statement said.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA has recorded a series of operational gains in recent weeks, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of rustled livestock, interception of arms and ammunition, and the neutralisation of several terrorist elements across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi states.
Military authorities urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.
By TimesNG