Soldiers foil mass abduction in Zamfara, rescue nine

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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.

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

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

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Danja said preliminary intelligence indicated that the attack might have been carried out in reprisal for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network.

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According to him, the suspects had earlier been intercepted by troops while allegedly attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit for the terrorists.

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He said the terrorists subsequently concealed themselves in a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles in an apparent attempt to abduct civilians.

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“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.

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He explained that troops of Sector 2 responded swiftly to the distress call and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the attempted abduction and flee into the surrounding forest.

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“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.

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Danja added that the troops subsequently rescued nine civilians, including an infant, who had been caught up in the attack.

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He further disclosed that two women sustained gunshot wounds during the terrorists’ assault and were evacuated for medical treatment.

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

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The military spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protecting civilians and denying terrorists freedom of action across the North-West.

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

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He assured residents that the Joint Task Force would sustain pressure on terrorist networks while taking necessary measures to protect lives and restore lasting peace and security across the region.

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