Troops Rescue 48 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Terrorists In Zamfara

Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 48 kidnapped victims after engaging terrorists in a fierce gun battle following an attack on Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of July 26 after troops of Sector 2 received a distress call that dozens of armed terrorists riding about 40 motorcycles had stormed the community and abducted several residents.

In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the terrorists were said to have rounded up villagers with the intention of taking them into the bush, while another group remained stationed on the outskirts of the community with the motorcycles.

According to the statement, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to abandon the abducted residents and flee into the surrounding forest.

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“The prompt intervention led to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians,” the statement said.

The military, however, disclosed that one civilian was killed during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds.

“Regrettably, one civilian lost his life during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kaura Namoda, where they are currently receiving medical treatment,” the statement added.

Following the successful rescue, troops conducted aggressive patrols around the area to prevent further attacks and maintain security.

The Theatre Command commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during the operation and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West.

“The Theatre Command commends the gallantry and professionalism of the troops for this successful operation and reassures residents of the North West of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement said.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to sustain ongoing operations against terrorist groups in the region.