Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 23 abducted civilians and foiled a separate kidnapping attempt during counter-terrorism operations in Zamfara State.
In Anka Local Government Area, troops conducting a combat patrol on the outskirts of Wuya Town encountered a group of terrorists and successfully secured the release of 23 victims comprising three adult males and 20 females.
Preliminary debriefing of the rescued victims revealed that they had been abducted from Gummi Local Government Area and held in captivity for about three weeks.
The victims are currently receiving medical attention and other necessary support before being reunited with their families.
In a separate operation in Bungudu Local Government Area, troops responded to intelligence indicating that armed bandits had infiltrated Dankurmi Town with the intention of abducting residents.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers in a heavy firefight. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, the bandits retreated without succeeding in abducting any resident.
Bloodstains discovered along the terrorists’ withdrawal route indicated that several of the attackers may have sustained serious gunshot wounds during the encounter.
The troops have maintained a strong presence in the affected areas and are continuing operations to pursue the fleeing terrorists while strengthening security along critical routes and communities across the state.
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