Troops kill terrorists, free 62 hostages in Kebbi raids

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma have delivered a double blow to terrorists this week, eliminating two Lakurawa group members in Kebbi State and rescuing 62 hostages from a notorious bandit hideout in Zamfara State.

The coordinated strikes, detailed in a Wednesday statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, highlight growing collaboration with allied security forces and local vigilantes.

In Kebbi, acting on “actionable intelligence,” troops ambushed the terrorists near the Augie Local Government Area (Kebbi State) and Binji Local Government Area (Sokoto State) border in Kerani Village.

“The operation resulted in the elimination of 2 terrorists and the recovery of 2 motorcycles used by the insurgents,” the statement noted.

The suspects wore camouflage uniforms, with their bikes “padded with thick blankets and fitted with equipment for long range movement including hand tyre pumps.”

Meanwhile, in Zamfara’s Munhaye Forest – a known base for bandit leader Kachalla Alti – another team stormed the area after reports of captives held hostage.

The raid freed all 62 victims, who are now “in safe custody,” with “efforts ongoing to reunite the freed hostages with their families.”

“These operations were conducted in close collaboration with allied security forces and local vigilantes, demonstrating a unified front against banditry and terrorism,” Lt. Col. Osoba emphasised.

The statement concluded, “These operations underscore the relentless efforts of Operation Fansan Yamma and its partners to dismantle terrorist networks, restore security, and protect lives in the region.”

No casualties were reported among troops or rescuers, and investigations continue into the terrorists’ networks.