Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered two vehicles following a swift security operation along the Dandume–Sheme Road in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The successful rescue mission was carried out after local residents alerted security operatives to the activities of suspected terrorists operating within the area.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, and made available to journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

According to the statement, troops, working closely with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, immediately mobilised to the scene upon receiving the distress call.

On arrival, the security team engaged the suspected terrorists in a fierce confrontation and overwhelmed them with superior firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into nearby bushes.

The statement said troops subsequently conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the rescue of three kidnapped victims and the recovery of two vehicles allegedly used by the fleeing terrorists during their operations.

The rescued victims and recovered vehicles were later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Dandume for further action and documentation.

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Military authorities said troops have continued to dominate the area through aggressive patrols and surveillance operations aimed at preventing the terrorists from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.

The Joint Task Force described the operation as another demonstration of its commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West region, particularly in communities affected by insecurity.

“The successful rescue operation demonstrates the resolve of troops of Operation Fansan Yamma to safeguard the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement noted.

The task force also commended residents for providing timely and credible information that contributed to the success of the operation.

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security formation for prompt response.

The latest operation adds to ongoing efforts by security forces to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in Katsina and neighbouring states within the North-West region.