Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have neutralised eight suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims during coordinated operations in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states.

The operations, conducted between Saturday and Sunday, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, three locally fabricated guns, three motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.

The Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Sinivie said troops of Sector One responded to a distress call from farmers at Machika Dam in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday, October 24, following reports of terrorist activities in the area.

He said the troops mobilised to the location and engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, killing two while others fled.

“During the operation, troops also rescued Mr Suleiman Umar, aged 42, who had been kidnapped by the terrorists,” he said.

He added that a subsequent search led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing ammunition and a motorcycle.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops of Sector One, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, foiled a suspected terrorist ambush in Ungwan Iya, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing six suspected terrorists.

According to Sinivie, the troops had responded to a distress call reporting an attack on Ungwan Mallami village, where the assailants abducted two people.

He said the troops came under attack while pursuing the fleeing suspects but responded with superior firepower.

“The troops responded swiftly with superior firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of the terrorists, while others fled in disarray,” the statement said.

The operation also led to the recovery of three locally fabricated guns, two motorcycles, cutlasses and assorted charms.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector Two rescued two kidnapped victims in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Sunday, October 25.

The victims were identified as Shehu Chete, 40, and Bugu Bedi, 25, both indigenes of Kebbi State.

Sinivie said troops spotted suspected terrorists during surveillance operations in the area and immediately launched a fighting patrol.

He added that the suspects fled upon sighting the advancing troops, abandoning the two victims.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to Bagega Clinic for medical attention before being moved to the military base for further assessment and subsequent reunion with their families,” he said.

The military spokesman said troops had intensified patrols and search operations across the affected areas to apprehend fleeing suspects, rescue other captives and prevent further attacks.

He added that the Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience.

Sinivie urged residents to support the ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.