OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS FOIL MASS ABDUCTION ATTEMPT IN ZAMFARA, RESCUE NINE CIVILIANS INCLUDING INFANT
Troops of 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 16 August 2026 after troops received a distress call that terrorists, reportedly led by suspected kingpin Mallam Shuaibu, had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.
Preliminary intelligence indicates that the attack may have been carried out in reprisal for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network. The suspects had earlier been intercepted by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit in support of terrorist activities.
In an apparent attempt to retaliate and 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.
Responding to the distress call, troops of Sector 2 moved to the area and engaged the terrorists, preventing them from carrying out the abduction. The terrorists subsequently abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding forest.
Following the engagement, troops rescued nine civilians, including an infant. Two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack were evacuated for medical attention and are receiving treatment.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it would continue operations against terrorist and criminal networks across the North West while taking measures to protect civilians and restore security across the region.
