Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) rescued nine kidnap victims in Sokoto State and killed several terrorists during an ambush in Zamfara State.
The operation, launched late on Monday, followed credible intelligence on terrorist movements along the Isa–Shinkafi–Kaura Namoda Road, a notorious crossing point linking Zamfara and Sokoto States.
In a statement on Monday, OPFY spokesman Captain David Adewusi revealed that the terrorists attempted to use their captives as human shields when they detected the soldiers. He said the troops responded “methodically and decisively”, killing several terrorists while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The victims, abducted from Garin Bature village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto, included three women and six children. They were evacuated to the General Hospital in Shinkafi for treatment.
Soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and desert camouflage uniforms at the scene.
Adewusi confirmed that officials of Shinkafi Local Government Area had taken custody of the victims to ensure their safe reunion with their families. He also assured residents of the North-West and parts of the North-Central that the military would sustain its offensive until terrorism and banditry were eradicated.