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 operation followed a distress call received by troops on August 16, 2026, reporting that terrorists suspected to be led by a notorious kingpin, Mallam Shuaibu, had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.
Preliminary intelligence indicated that the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network.
The suspects were reportedly intercepted earlier by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) believed to be intended to support the terrorists’ operations.
In an apparent reprisal attack, the terrorists concealed themselves in 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 swiftly moved into the area and engaged the attackers, preventing them from executing the planned abduction.
Overwhelmed by the troops’ response, the terrorists abandoned their operation and fled into the surrounding forest.
The troops subsequently rescued nine civilians, including an infant, who had been caught in the attack.
Two women sustained gunshot wounds during the assault and were immediately evacuated for medical treatment. They are currently receiving care.
The latest operation underscores the continued military pressure on terrorist and criminal networks operating across the North-West, as security forces intensify efforts to protect communities and disrupt attacks on civilians.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA reaffirmed its determination to deny terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to attack innocent citizens, pledging to sustain operations against hostile networks while taking necessary measures to protect lives and restore lasting peace and security across the region.
