Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 14 kidnap victims and arrested three terrorist logistics couriers in a separate operation in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A statement on Friday by the spokesman for the operation, Aliyu Danja, said on Thursday troops intercepted three suspects travelling on a motorcycle in the council.

He said, “Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects were conveying the sum of ₦2.7 million, suspected to be ransom money, alongside three mobile phones, for onward transfer to a terrorist kingpin through intermediaries within the area.” 

He stated that the suspects and the recovered items were in military custody for further investigation.

Mr Danja said on Friday troops acting on credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists in the Faskari Local Government Area, established an ambush position and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee in disarray. 

He noted that exploitation of the area subsequently led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition and one motorcycle.

He said in another development, troops conducting a routine patrol intercepted and rescued 14 kidnap victims comprising 12 males and two females. 

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had earlier been abducted from Anguwan Miko and Tafoki villages in the Faskari Local Government Area,” Mr Danja noted.

He added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by the terrorists upon sighting the advancing troops. 

He stressed that the victims were subsequently rescued and handed over to the Faskari Local Government authorities for further necessary action.