Troops arrest three terror logistics couriers, rescue 14

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics couriers and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle during the operations.

The three suspects were arrested on September 24 after troops of Sector 2 intercepted them while travelling on a motorcycle in Faskari.

Preliminary interrogation revealed the suspects were allegedly conveying N2.7 million, suspected to be ransom money, alongside three mobile phones, for onward transfer to a terrorist kingpin through intermediaries in the area.

The suspects and the recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation.

In a separate operation on September 25, troops acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists in Faskari established an ambush and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee.

A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.

Also on September 25, troops conducting a routine patrol intercepted and rescued 14 kidnapped victims comprising 12 males and two females.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had earlier been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages in Faskari Local Government Area.

The victims were reportedly abandoned by the terrorists after they sighted the advancing troops.

They were subsequently rescued and handed over to the Faskari Local Government authorities for further necessary action.

The Theatre Command said the operations demonstrated the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting lives and property, rescuing persons held in terrorist captivity and denying terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.

It commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and prompt response, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies on suspicious movements and activities in their communities.