Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued four abducted victims during a clearance operation on a suspected terrorist enclave in Katsina State, according to the military’s operational report on Wednesday.

The report indicated that the operation was carried out on Monday under Operation Clean Sweep III by troops of the 17 Brigade Strike Group and Quick Response Force, supported by troops of 8 Division Special Forces.

According to the report, the troops, led by the Commander of 17 Brigade, advanced on a suspected terrorist camp at Fafu village in Matazu Local Government Area after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission by air assets of Operation Fansan Yamma.

The report said the troops made contact with the terrorists on arrival at the objective and engaged them in a firefight.

It added that the terrorists fled the area due to the troops’ superior firepower, allowing the soldiers to exploit the camp and rescue four abducted persons.

The rescued victims were aged 62, 68, 36 and 50.

According to the report, the victims were moved to the Forward Operating Base in Matazu, where they were received by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Koughna.

The report stated that the rescued victims received immediate medical attention for gunshot wounds allegedly sustained while in captivity and were later evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for further treatment.

It further revealed that preliminary investigations showed the victims were abducted on April 14 along the Matazu-Karaduwa road at Sabon Sara.

“The rescued victims claimed they were together with the late retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar and his wife during their ordeals,” the report stated.

The operation came amid ongoing military efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist and bandit groups operating in parts of Katsina State and the wider North-West region.

According to the report, troops are expected to continue offensive operations in the area to sustain operational momentum and further degrade criminal networks.

The army also said the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high.