Troops rescue 16 civilians, repel attack in Sokoto, Zamfara

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 16 civilians from separate attempted abductions in Zamfara and repelled a terrorist attack in Sokoto.

The development was contained in a statement issued by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday evening.

Danja said troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara on Friday, August 28, after terrorists attempted to abduct residents of a community.

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He said the intervention of the troops forced the terrorists to flee, while four civilians were rescued.

“Four civilians were successfully rescued, while troops subsequently dominated the area to prevent further terrorist activity,” the statement said.

In another operation later that day, troops responded to reports of terrorist activities around Kwanoni Village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to Danja, the terrorists were attempting to abduct passengers travelling in two vehicles when troops engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their victims and retreat.

“Consequently, all 12 passengers were rescued, while no casualty was recorded among the troops,” he stated.

Meanwhile, terrorists also attacked the Jabo area of Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, but troops responded with superior firepower and forced the attackers to withdraw.

The statement said two civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were evacuated for medical attention, while troops maintained a strong presence in the area.

Danja said the operations underscored the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting civilians and denying terrorists freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.

“The successful rescue of the civilians and repulsion of the terrorist attack further demonstrate the determination and responsiveness of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in protecting lives and frustrating terrorist activities,” he said.