Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 48 kidnapped victims after repelling a terrorist attack on Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The rescue operation followed a swift military response to a distress call reporting that scores of heavily armed terrorists had invaded the community in the early hours of Sunday.
According to the military, the attackers, who arrived on about 40 motorcycles, rounded up dozens of residents with the intention of taking them into the bush, while another group remained at the outskirts of the village with the motorcycles.
Troops of Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA immediately mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The intense exchange of fire forced the attackers to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding forest.
All 48 abducted civilians were successfully rescued during the operation.
However, the military said one civilian was killed during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Kaura Namoda, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Following the rescue, troops carried out aggressive fighting patrols across the area to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or launching another attack.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism during the operation.
He said the successful rescue underscored the military’s determination to protect communities and sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups across the North-West.
“The Theatre Command commends the gallantry and professionalism of the troops for this successful operation and reassures residents of the North West of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement said.
The command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorist elements from the region.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to restore lasting peace and security across the North-West.
