By Joy Yesufu
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), have rescued six kidnapped victims during a coordinated security operation in the Kajuru–Kujama axis of Kaduna State.
The rescue followed clearance operations conducted on Monday across several local government areas, including Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia and Kagarko, as well as border communities near Kauru.
Confirming the development on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Shuaib Umar, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curtail the activities of violent extremists within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
According to him, troops responded swiftly to a distress alert indicating the presence of armed criminals around the Kasso adjoining hills.
Soldiers of Sub-Sector 5, who were already conducting clearance patrols in the Kujeni area, immediately moved to the location.
“Upon arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them with effective suppressive fire, forcing them to flee in disarray into the surrounding forest,” Umar said.
He explained that the troops subsequently exploited the area, leading to the successful rescue of six kidnap victims.
The rescued victims were later handed over to representatives of the Kajuru Local Government Area and the Kajuru Emirate Council for onward reunification with their families.
Lt.-Col. Umar added that the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 1 OPFY, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, commended the troops for their professionalism and gallantry.
He said the commander urged the soldiers to remain on maximum alert and sustain the aggressive operational tempo to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the sector.
