Troops of the 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 incident occurred on August 16, 2026, after troops received a distress call that terrorists, reportedly led by suspected kingpin Mallam Shuaibu, had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, 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’ activities.
The terrorists allegedly concealed themselves in a millet farm along the route before opening fire on passing vehicles, causing some drivers to lose control and veer off the road.
Following the distress call, troops of Sector 2 swiftly moved into the area and engaged the terrorists, preventing them from carrying out the planned abduction.
The terrorists, faced with the troops’ response, reportedly abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding forest.
The operation resulted in the rescue of nine civilians, including an infant. Two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack were also evacuated and are receiving medical treatment.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it remains committed to denying terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to attack civilians across the North-West.
The Joint Task Force added that it would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist networks while taking measures to protect lives and restore lasting peace and security across the region.