Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and killed 2 suspected terrorists during a raid in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The operation took place early Friday in Dikawa Village, following intelligence on terrorists holding captives in the area. The soldiers, working with the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, engaged the gunmen in a fierce firefight that forced the criminals to flee and abandon their captives.

A statement from the Joint Task Force said the assault overwhelmed the terrorists and led to the recovery of the victims, made up of 9 men, 10 women, and 13 children. Two terrorists were neutralised during the encounter.

Troops also destroyed camps and logistics sites used by the group to prevent regrouping. Items recovered include 2 AK-47 rifles, 15 loaded magazines, a general purpose machine gun butt, a fabricated grenade, assorted ammunition, and 10 motorcycles believed to belong to the terrorists. Twenty-six rustled livestock were also recovered and will be returned to owners.

The military said the victims are being prepared for handover to relevant authorities, while operations to dismantle remaining terrorist structures in the area are ongoing.