Troops ‘kill two terrorists’, rescue 20 kidnap victims in Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two terrorists, including a “notorious” leader of the insurgents in Zamfara state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Yahaya Ibrahim, information officer of operation Hadarin Daji, said the terrorists were killed during a raid on their hideouts in Zurmi and Birnin Magaji LGAs of the state.

Ibrahim said the troops rescued 20 hostages, including women and children during the raid.

He said the raids were conducted by troops of the joint task force north-west operation Hadarin Daji.

He said the troops also destroyed all the hideouts of the terrorists and the enclaves belonging to another notorious insurgent identified as Sule.

“In the recent success, the troops rescued 20 kidnap victims unhurt and neutralized 2 terrorists including a notorious terrorists’ leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina state in separate operations conducted in Zamfara state,” the statement reads.

“On the 29th January 2024 the OPHD troops during its continuous clearance operation at terrorists’ enclaves at Rukudawa, Dumburum, Tsanu, Birnin Tsaba, Magare and Shamushalle general areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara state.

“During the operation all the discovered terrorists’ enclaves including that of a notorious terrorist kingpin identified as Sule were destroyed, as the terrorists fled their camps during heavy contact with the aggressive troops.

“The troops neutralized 2 terrorists including a terrorist leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina state which led to the rescue of 18 kidnap victims comprising 4 males and 14 females as well as children.

“Similarly, the troops of Operation HADARIN rescued 2 victims who were abducted by the terrorists while on transit along the Shinkafi-Isa road in Zamfara state who were abandoned by their captors during a gun duel with the highly motivated troops whose timely response led to the rescue.

“All the rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities to reunite them with their respective families.”

The information officer said Godwin Mutkut, commander of the joint task force north-west operation Hadarin Daji, commended the troops for their resilience in ensuring safety in the region.