Soldiers with Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped persons and stopped multiple terror attacks across Kaduna and Zamfara states. The military made this known Sunday through Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation's spokesperson.
On June 18, troops in Sector 1 responded to reports of armed bandits moving through a forest near Kerawa in Igabi Local Government Area. They found Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Mrs Habibah Sadisu, 30, and her one-year-old son Abdulmutallib Sadisu abandoned in the bush.
The bandits fled when they spotted approaching soldiers. All three victims were taken to a primary healthcare centre in Kadage for treatment.
Investigators say the women and child were captured from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17. They were being transported to a militant camp in Birnin Gwari when soldiers found them.
In a second operation two days later, Sector 2 troops stopped a planned attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi, Zamfara State. Working with other security agencies, they set up an ambush and opened fire on the terrorists.
According to military officials, the militants were forced to flee. Troops recovered eight motorcycles, weapons, ammunition and food supplies from the scene.
Defence Intelligence Agency operatives and soldiers also arrested four suspected extremists and informants during a separate covert mission in Zamfara. Investigators found incriminating materials on the suspects, who remain in custody.
Another suspected terrorist named Muhammad Mamman was arrested after giving conflicting information about his identity. He's also being held for questioning.
Fighting erupted in Maru Local Government Area when militants attacked a military position. Reinforcements from 1 Brigade rushed to help repel the assault.
The military said the terrorists took heavy casualties. Blood marks showed their withdrawal route, but three soldiers died in the firefight.
In a final operation, troops spotted militants on motorcycles heading toward Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area. An aggressive patrol forced them to abandon their mission and retreat.
The affected communities were secured before any attack could occur. Officials credited intelligence work for the success of multiple operations across the region.
