Operation Fansan Yamma troops rescue 33 kidnapped passengers in Zamfara
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
“Troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes,” the statement said.
Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The rescue operation followed a swift response to credible intelligence received on Saturday, August 8, 2026, regarding the abduction of commuters travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe Local Government Area in the state.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and issued to journalists in Gusau, the troops received the information in the late afternoon and immediately mobilised to the area.
The statement said the troops, working with police personnel deployed in Tsafe, made contact with the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination.
“Troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes,” the statement said.
The troops subsequently secured the area and rescued all 33 abducted passengers without recording any casualty.
Following the successful rescue, the security forces commenced exploitation of the surrounding area and continued efforts to track down the fleeing terrorists.
The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt response, professionalism and successful execution of the operation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Theatre Command to protecting civilians, denying terrorists freedom of action and securing major transportation routes across the North-West.
The Theatre Commander also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with credible information about the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements.
The rescue comes amid continued security operations across Zamfara and other parts of the North-West aimed at disrupting terrorist and bandit activities and protecting communities and road users.
