Troops Foil Mass Abduction Attempt, Rescue 9 In Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled an attempted mass abduction by terrorists in Unguwar Rogo Village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescuing nine civilians, including an infant.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026, following a distress call alerting troops that terrorists had invaded the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of JTF North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the terrorists were suspected to have been led by a notorious kingpin identified as Mallam Shuaibu.

Danja said preliminary intelligence suggested that the attack could have been carried out in retaliation for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators allegedly connected to the terrorist network.

According to him, the suspects were earlier apprehended by troops while allegedly attempting to obtain motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit for the terrorists.

He said the terrorists later took cover in a millet farm along the route before opening fire on passing vehicles in an apparent attempt to abduct civilians.

“The terrorists concealed themselves within a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles, causing some drivers to lose control and veer off the road,” Danja said.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 immediately moved to the area after receiving the distress call and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the operation and retreat into the surrounding forest.

“Responding swiftly to the distress call, troops of Sector 2 moved to the area and decisively engaged the terrorists, denying them the opportunity to carry out the abduction,” he said.

Danja said the troops subsequently rescued nine civilians, including an infant, who were caught up in the attack.

He added that two women sustained gunshot injuries during the assault and were evacuated for medical treatment.

“The two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the terrorists’ attack were promptly evacuated for medical attention and are currently receiving treatment,” he said.

The military spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to safeguarding civilians and restricting the activities of terrorists across the North-West.

“Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to attack innocent citizens,” Danja said.