Army rescues 31 abductees and neutralizes five terrorists in North‑West region.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 31 kidnapped individuals and eliminated five suspected terrorists in separate missions across Zamfara and Katsina states.

The Sector 2 forces also destroyed terrorist camps and seized weapons, motorcycles and ammunition.

A statement released on Friday by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, detailed the actions.

Osoba said the 31 victims were freed during an operation near the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

He added that the rescue followed a precision air strike by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a subsequent ground assault on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest.

The victims, who had been held captive for several weeks, came from communities in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

“The kidnapped victims were rescued from captivity following a precision air interdiction conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and a follow‑on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest,” he said.

Osoba noted that the rescued individuals received medical care and will be reunited with their families.

In a separate operation along the Maradun–Gidan Dan Jaja axis of Zamfara State, troops engaged suspected terrorists, killing two and destroying several camps.

The military also recovered locally manufactured rifles and four motorcycles allegedly used by the suspects.

Meanwhile, troops intercepted suspected terrorists on the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State while they were allegedly preparing to launch an attack.

The army reported that three suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, and motorcycles and ammunition were seized.

Osoba said one of the suspects killed was identified as a foot soldier linked to notorious bandit leader Muhammad Fulani.

He reaffirmed Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the North‑West region.