Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped women and foiled a planned terrorist attack during separate operations in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The military disclosed on Wednesday that the operations, conducted as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the North-West, also led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and other items believed to belong to criminal elements.

According to the military, troops on routine offensive patrol in Bagega, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescued three female kidnap victims on June 22 after sustained pressure forced their captors to abandon them and flee.

The victims were identified as 28-year-old Zainab Muhammadu from Gara Zaima Village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and Hafsat Ibrahim, 20, and Halira Usman, 17, both from Mashiga/Taka Lafiya Village in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Military authorities said the victims had spent about three months in captivity before regaining their freedom. They were subsequently evacuated for medical evaluation and necessary care.

In a separate operation on June 23, troops of 8 Division Garrison acting on credible intelligence laid an ambush at Kwanar Jollof in Jangeru Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following reports that terrorists were mobilising to launch attacks in the area.

The troops reportedly engaged the suspects, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. During the operation, security personnel recovered a PKT machine gun, ammunition, two motorcycles, chains suspected to have been used to restrain kidnap victims and other items.

The military described the operations as a major boost to ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across the North-West region.

It noted that the rescue of the victims and the recovery of weapons reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the sustained offensive posture adopted by troops against criminal groups.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that military operations would continue until terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements are neutralised and lasting peace restored across the region.