Troops foil terrorist abduction, rescue 33 passengers in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The rescue operation followed credible intelligence received on the late afternoon of Saturday, August 8, 2026, that terrorists had intercepted and abducted passengers travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe.

According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe, swiftly mobilised to the area.

The security forces engaged the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an undisclosed location. Following the exchange of fire, the terrorists abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding bushes.

The troops subsequently secured the area and successfully rescued all 33 passengers. No casualty was recorded during the operation.

Security forces have since commenced an extensive search of the area in an effort to track down the fleeing terrorists.

The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, noting that the operation demonstrated the commitment of the security forces to protecting civilians and securing major transportation routes across the North-West.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security agencies.

By Benita Ibrahim