By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims during a counter-terrorism operation in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The victims, comprising six males and eight females, were rescued on Tuesday, August 18, after troops received intelligence about terrorists moving with kidnapped persons around Madaci Forest.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt-Col. Aliyu Danja, said in a statement on Wednesday that troops quickly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists.
He said the terrorists abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding bushes after troops made contact with them.
Danja said preliminary investigations showed that the victims were abducted from different locations across the Dandume, Bakori and Funtua areas of the state.
The rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate local authorities for necessary action and reunification with their families.
The Joint Task Force said the successful operation demonstrated the troops’ determination to protect lives and prevent terrorist activities across the North-West.
Danja said troops would continue to intensify operations and sustain pressure on terrorist elements to safeguard communities in the region.
The military also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
