By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian Army has listed rescue of six kidnapped victims and arrest of two suspected terrorists among the achievements of its troops during separate operations in Katsina and Zamfara States.

The operations were conducted as part of ongoing efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to degrade terrorist networks and protect communities across the North-West.

According to an operational report made available on Tuesday, troops rescued the six victims after responding to a terrorist attack on a vehicle.

The report said troops of 1 Brigade at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Anka responded to CCTV footage of the attack along the Anka-Gummi road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.

It said troops mobilised to the scene and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the six victims and flee.

According to the report, the rescued victims include three who sustained minor injuries and were evacuated to General Hospital, Anka, for medical attention.

The report also said that in Katsina, troops of 17 Brigade at FOB FUDMA, acting on credible intelligence from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), arrested two suspected terrorists.

“The suspects were apprehended along the Turare-Yantumaki road in Dutsinma Local Government Area.

“Troops recovered a vehicle, ₦213,770 and a mobile phone from the suspects, who were subsequently handed over to the ONSA team for further action,” it said.

The report further said that troops also intercepted materials procured by a notorious terrorist leader, Shehu Bagewaye, for the construction of three canoes.

It said troops of 1 Brigade at FOB Dogon Kade acted on intelligence concerning the procurement and intercepted the dismembered wooden components meant for assembling the canoes.

According to the report, the transporters reportedly abandoned the materials and escaped into a river after sighting the troops.

The report further said that troops conducting a stop-and-search operation around Yantumaki Village in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina forced two suspected terrorists to abandon a motorcycle and flee.

It added that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau recovered a motorcycle abandoned by two suspicious persons during a night patrol along the Federe road in Jos East Local Government Area.

“In Bassa Local Government Area, troops raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout at Mista Ali, arresting three suspects and recovering substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

“The suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Nigeria Police for further action.

“Similarly, troops apprehended a suspected criminal riding a motorcycle along the Ungwan Boka-Forest road in Riyom Local Government Area.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect had previously been arrested over suspected gunrunning activities before resurfacing in the area.

“The latest operations underscore the military’s continued efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue abducted citizens and deny criminal elements freedom of action across the North-West and North-Central regions,” the report said.

(NAN)