Troops Foil Mass Abduction in Zamfara, Rescue Nine Civilians Including Infant

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

The operation, according to the JTF, took place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after troops received a distress call that armed terrorists had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.

The terrorists were reportedly led by a suspected kingpin identified as Mallam Shuaibu.

According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, preliminary intelligence suggested that the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network.

The suspects had allegedly been intercepted by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly intended to support the activities of the terrorist group.

The JTF said the attackers concealed themselves in a millet farm close to the route and opened fire on passing vehicles in what appeared to be an attempt to abduct civilians.

The gunfire reportedly caused some motorists to lose control of their vehicles and veer off the road.

Following the distress call, troops from Sector 2 were immediately deployed to the area and engaged the attackers.

The military said the troops’ intervention disrupted the planned abduction, forcing the terrorists to abandon the operation and escape into the surrounding forest.

Nine civilians, including an infant, were subsequently rescued by the troops.

Two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack were evacuated for medical treatment and are currently receiving care, according to the JTF.

The military said the operation demonstrated its continued efforts to protect vulnerable communities and prevent terrorist groups from carrying out attacks and mass abductions across the North-West.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist networks and other criminal elements while taking measures to protect civilians and restore lasting peace and security in the region.

The latest incident comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Zamfara and neighbouring states, where armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities.

The military urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent attacks and disrupt criminal networks.