Troops Foil Abduction Attempts, Rescue Victims, Neutralise IED in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled separate terrorist abduction attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing civilians and neutralising an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted along a major road.

The operations, carried out on Monday, August 17, 2026, occurred in Bukkuyum, Tsafe and other parts of the state as security forces intensified efforts to curb terrorist activities across the Joint Operations Area.

In the first incident, troops of Sector 2 responded to an abduction attempt along the Gurusu–Anka Road after receiving information that terrorists had seized civilians.

The troops immediately launched a pursuit, forcing the attackers to abandon their captives and flee. Seven victims; four women and three children, were subsequently rescued unharmed.

In another operation in Tsafe Local Government Area, troops responded to reports of terrorists attempting to abduct motorists around Magazu Village.

The troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into nearby bushes and abandon their victims.

Some of the rescued civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Meanwhile, troops of Sector 2 also responded to the discovery of an IED planted by terrorists along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

The area was immediately cordoned off to protect motorists and other road users while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team moved in to deal with the device.

The bomb disposal team successfully neutralised the IED, averting what could have resulted in casualties among security personnel and civilians using the route.

The Theatre Command said the operations demonstrated the troops’ continued vigilance and rapid response to threats posed by terrorist groups in Zamfara.

It assured residents that security forces would sustain pressure on terrorist elements and work to deny them freedom of movement and the ability to attack innocent civilians.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.