Troops foil militant raid, free kidnapped victims in Sokoto and Katsina

Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a joint task force, has achieved significant operational successes in Sokoto and Katsina states, where troops repelled a terrorist attack, rescued abducted victims, and neutralized suspected terrorists, while also recovering various items including weapons, motorcycles, and livestock.

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These operations took place on June 21 and 22 as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the North-West region, according to the military.

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Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, revealed in a statement on Monday that troops had thwarted an attempt by armed terrorists to infiltrate Tureta town in Sokoto State, acting on credible intelligence.

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The terrorists were forced to abandon their mission and flee after being engaged by vigilant troops, as stated by Danja, who noted that the criminals' retreat was subsequently tracked by aerial surveillance assets to Sulubawa Gidan Kare village.

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Upon discovering the terrorists moving with abducted civilians and rustled livestock, the troops launched a hot pursuit, displaying exceptional courage and superior firepower as they fought through a hastily mounted ambush by the retreating terrorists.

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The operation resulted in the successful rescue of the abductees, recovery of rustled cattle, and seizure of two motorcycles allegedly used by the terrorists, according to Danja.

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In a separate operation on June 22, troops conducted an intelligence-led raid on a suspected terrorist enclave in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, catching the terrorists off guard and completely overwhelming them.

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The ensuing firefight led to the neutralization of two terrorists, while several others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds, and troops recovered various items including a PKT assault rifle, an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, and three motorcycles.

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Lieutenant Colonel Danja stated that the latest successes reflect the determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region, underscoring the troops' unwavering determination, professionalism, and resilience.

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The military has assured the public that aggressive operations will be sustained to dismantle all terrorist networks, deny them freedom of action, and restore lasting peace and security across the North-West region, according to Danja.

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These latest operations come amid intensified military offensives targeting terrorist and bandit hideouts across several states in the North-West, as security forces continue efforts to rescue kidnapped victims and restore security in affected communities.