Operation Fansan Yamma Troops Rescue 16 Civilians, Foil Abductions in Zamfara, Repel Attack in Sokoto

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled separate terrorist abduction attempts in Zamfara State, rescued 16 civilians and repelled an attack in Sokoto State.

The operations, carried out on August 28, 2026, occurred across communities in Zamfara and Sokoto states as troops intensified efforts to protect civilians and disrupt terrorist activities in the North-West.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2 responded to a distress call in the early hours of Friday following an attempted attack on a community in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The statement said the attackers attempted to abduct residents but fled after troops arrived at the scene.

Four civilians were rescued during the operation, while troops remained in the area to prevent further attacks and deter the terrorists from returning.

In another operation later that day, troops responded to intelligence about suspected terrorist activity around Kwanoni Village in Tsafe Local Government Area.

According to the military, troops encountered the terrorists as they attempted to abduct passengers travelling in two vehicles.

A gunfight reportedly followed, forcing the attackers to withdraw and abandon their intended victims.

All 12 passengers were subsequently rescued, while the military said none of its personnel was injured or killed during the encounter.

Meanwhile, troops operating in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State responded to a separate terrorist attack around Jabo Village.

The military said the attackers were confronted by troops who engaged them with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat.

Two civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were evacuated for medical treatment, according to the statement.

Troops have since maintained a presence in the area as part of efforts to prevent the attackers from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.

The military described the operations as evidence of the continued determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to protect communities, rescue civilians and disrupt terrorist activities across the Joint Operations Area.

The claims could not be independently verified.