
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 victims in different locations in Zamfara State.
The operation, according to the JTF, took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of JTF North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2 rescued four villagers abducted by terrorists at Kade Daba village in Kanoma District, Maru LGA.
Danja said the troops acted on information that terrorists had abducted villagers in the community and swiftly mobilised to the area.
He said, “Troops swiftly mobilised to the location and engaged the terrorists, resulting in the immediate rescue of three victims.”
He added that further exploitation of the area led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the number rescued in the operation to four.
In a separate incident along the Tsafe-Funtua Road, troops on a picketing operation reportedly heard sporadic gunshots ahead of their position at Kwanoni.
According to Danja, the troops immediately moved towards the location and encountered terrorists withdrawing through the surrounding high ground.
“The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee from the area in disarray,” he said.
He explained that before the arrival of the troops, the terrorists had set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants.
“Fortunately, the occupants were able to escape before the vehicle was completely engulfed by fire,” he said.
Danja further disclosed that the troops rescued six persons from another vehicle which lost control as a result of the gunshots.
He said the affected vehicle was subsequently towed away from the main road to facilitate the free flow of traffic.
The Theatre Commander of JTF North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, commended the troops for their vigilance, prompt response and professionalism in protecting civilians along major routes and communities within the command’s area of responsibility.
The commander reaffirmed the task force’s resolve to sustain offensive operations against terrorists and deny them freedom of movement across the North-West.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security agency or through appropriate official channels.