Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have killed two terrorists in Kebbi State and rescued 62 abducted persons in Zamfara State during coordinated operations across Sector 2, the Nigerian Army has said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the Kebbi operation was carried out following intelligence on the movement of suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group near the border between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He said troops laid an ambush at Kerani village, where they engaged the terrorists, killing two of them and recovering two motorcycles.

According to Osoba, the neutralised terrorists were dressed in camouflage uniforms and were riding motorcycles padded with thick blankets and fitted with equipment for long-distance movement, including hand tyre pumps.

In a separate operation in Zamfara State, Osoba said troops raided Munhaye Forest, a known hideout of a bandit leader identified as Kachalla Alti, after receiving intelligence that kidnapped victims were being held in the area.

He said the operation led to the rescue of 62 abducted persons, who are currently in safe custody.

Osoba added that arrangements are ongoing to reunite the rescued victims with their families after preliminary screening and necessary support.

“These successes reflect the relentless efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle criminal networks, restore security and protect lives in the region,” he added.

He said the operations were carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, reaffirming efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the North-West region.