Troops under Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) have rescued six kidnap victims during a clearance operation along the Kajuru–Kujama axis in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A credible source at army headquarters told journalists that the rescue operation followed a distress call received by troops of Sub-Sector 5 at about 9:30 a.m. on January 5.

The source said the troops received intel on the presence of violent extremists’ informants attempting to recover logistics items around the Kasso adjoining hills.

He said the troops swiftly advanced to the location and made contact with an unconfirmed number of armed elements at about 10:30 a.m.

“The troops engaged the armed elements with suppressive fire, forcing them to flee in disarray into the Kasso forest.

“The troops exploited the contact in a hot pursuit but could not close in on the fleeing criminals, who escaped deeper into the forest after sighting the advancing troops early.

“However, further exploitation of the area led to the successful rescue of six victims from the forward hill areas.

“Those rescued include Maryam Sani, 40; Saratu Ibrahim, 20; Abubakar Lawal, 50; Tukur Sani, 20; Douglas Tanko, 18; and Akyala Tanko, 20, all residents of different communities in Kaduna State,” he said.

The source revealed that the rescued victims were subsequently handed over to representatives of the local government and the Kajuru Emirate Council for onward reunion with their families.

He added that troops had continued clearance operations in the general area to flush out fleeing criminal elements.

The sources added that troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain satisfactory.

(NAN)