Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 victims during operations in different parts of Zamfara State.
The operations were conducted on September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state, according to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, on September 28.
In Maru Local Government Area, troops of Sector 2 responded to information that terrorists had abducted villagers at Kade Daba in Kanoma District.
The troops quickly moved to the area and engaged the attackers, leading to the rescue of three victims. Further searches around the area resulted in the rescue of another victim, bringing the number rescued from the location to four.
In a separate operation the same day, troops conducting a picketing operation along the Tsafe-Funtua Road in Tsafe Local Government Area heard sporadic gunshots from the direction of Kwanoni.
The troops immediately moved towards the area and encountered the terrorists withdrawing through the surrounding high ground.
The soldiers engaged the fleeing terrorists, forcing them to abandon the area and retreat in disarray, the statement said.
Before the arrival of the troops, the terrorists had reportedly set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants.
The occupants, however, escaped before the vehicle was completely consumed by the fire.
During the incident, the troops also rescued six people trapped in another vehicle that had lost control following the sporadic gunfire.
The affected vehicle was subsequently towed away from the main road to restore the free flow of traffic.
The Theatre Commander of JTF North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their vigilance, rapid response and professionalism in protecting civilians along major roads and communities within the task force’s area of responsibility.
The commander also reaffirmed the task force’s determination to sustain offensive operations against terrorists and restrict their freedom of movement and operations across the North-West.
The commander urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities.
The task force said such information could be provided to the nearest security agency or through designated official channels.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
