Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled separate terrorist abduction attempts, rescued civilians and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, planted by terrorists in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
This was contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, on Sunday, August 17, 2026.
According to the statement, on August 17, 2026, troops of Sector 2 responded to an abduction incident along the Gurusu–Anka Road and swiftly pursued the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee. Seven victims, comprising 4 women and 3 children, were rescued unharmed.
In a separate operation in Tsafe LGA, troops responded to reports of terrorists attempting to abduct motorists around Magazu Village. The troops engaged the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.
The rescued victims, some of whom sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, were promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Earlier the same day, troops of Sector 2 responded to the discovery of a terrorist-planted IED along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum LGA. The area was immediately secured, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team successfully neutralised the device, thereby averting potential casualties among troops and civilian road users.
The Theatre Command said the successful interventions underscore the vigilance, responsiveness and determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops in protecting lives, securing communities and keeping major routes safe from terrorist activities.
It reassured the public that troops will continue to maintain pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area and deny them the freedom to threaten innocent citizens.
Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities to security forces.