Troops Rescue 22 Kidnap Victims, Neutralise IEDs and Disrupt Terrorist Logistics Networks

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and Operation HADIN KAI have recorded significant operational successes in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across Sokoto and Borno states, rescuing 22 kidnap victims, neutralising improvised explosive devices and disrupting terrorist logistics networks.

According to statements issued by the Joint Task Force North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA and Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI, the operations were conducted between June 16 and June 19.

In Sokoto State, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 22 abducted victims in separate operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas.

The military said the first operation followed reports that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni-Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota village and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers. One civilian was killed during the attack.

Troops, supported by aerial surveillance, launched a pursuit operation that forced the terrorists to abandon 17 kidnapped passengers and flee.

In a separate operation at Chohi village in Isa Local Government Area, troops responded to reports of an attack on farmers and successfully rescued five victims after pursuing the attackers along their escape route.

The rescued victims were reunited with their families, while troops conducted confidence-building patrols in surrounding communities to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised five improvised explosive devices planted by terrorists along the Biu-Buratai Road.

The operation followed intelligence provided by local residents, prompting troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and Quick Reaction Force to conduct a patrol and safely detonate the explosives without casualties.

In another operation, troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion engaged terrorists mounted on about 60 motorcycles along the Miyanti-Ngoshe axis while returning from a mission in Kirawa.

The troops repelled the attack and recovered 817 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three motorcycles, two solar panels, 102 sachets of salt and several motorcycle spare parts believed to be part of the terrorists’ logistics supplies.

On June 19, troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison arrested two suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP logistics suppliers during a stop-and-search operation.

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Bukar, also known as “Dege”, and Iliyasu Abdullahi, were intercepted in a vehicle conveying petrol and relief materials allegedly destined for terrorist elements.

Military authorities said the operations underscore ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement, disrupt their supply chains and enhance security across the North-East and North-West regions.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal groups.