Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled separate abduction attempts by terrorists in Zamfara State, rescued civilians and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device planted along a major road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The military said the operations, conducted on August 17, 2026, formed part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and protect communities across the North-West.
In one of the operations, troops of Sector 2 responded to an abduction incident along the Gurusu-Anka Road in Bukkuyum LGA and immediately pursued the fleeing terrorists.
The pressure from the troops reportedly forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes.
Seven victims, comprising four women and three children, were subsequently rescued unharmed by the troops.
In a separate operation in Tsafe Local Government Area, troops responded to information that terrorists were attempting to abduct motorists around Magazu Village.
The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their victims and escape into the surrounding bushes.
Some of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Earlier on the same day, troops also responded to the discovery of a terrorist-planted IED along the Gurusu-Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The troops immediately secured the area and deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to deal with the threat.
The EOD team successfully neutralised the device, preventing what could have resulted in casualties among troops and civilian road users.
The military said the operations demonstrated the vigilance and rapid response of troops in confronting terrorist threats and protecting civilians across Zamfara State.
“These successful interventions underscore the vigilance, responsiveness and determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops in protecting lives, securing communities and keeping major routes safe from terrorist activities,” the Theatre Command said.
The command assured residents that troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements operating within the Joint Operations Area and deny them freedom of action.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security forces.
“Members of the public are equally urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities to security forces,” the command added.
The latest operations come amid sustained military efforts to tackle terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West.
The Joint Task Force said it would continue to intensify operations aimed at protecting lives, securing communities and ensuring the safety of motorists and other road users across the region.
