Security forces under Sector 1 of Operation Fansan Yamma have successfully freed six abducted persons during a clearance operation in the Kajuru–Kujama axis of Kaduna State.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Shuaib Umar, confirmed the development on Tuesday in Kaduna.
He said the rescue, carried out on Monday, formed part of coordinated operations across several locations, including Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia and Kagarko Local Government Areas, as well as border communities near Kauru.
According to Umar, the operations were aimed at restricting the activities and movement of violent extremists within the Joint Operations Area of Sector 1.
“Acting on a distress report about criminal activity around the Kasso adjoining hills, troops of Sub-Sector 5, who were already conducting clearance operations in the Kujeni area, swiftly moved to the location,” he said.
He explained that upon arrival, the troops engaged the criminals with sustained suppressive fire, forcing them to retreat into nearby forested areas.
“The troops immediately carried out an exploitation of the area, which led to the successful rescue of six kidnapped victims,” Umar added.
The rescued individuals were later handed over to officials of Kajuru Local Government Area and representatives of the Kajuru Emirate Council for onward reunification with their families.
Umar said the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 1 Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery.
He noted that the commander urged the soldiers to maintain a high level of alertness and sustain offensive operations to further deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area.