Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists around Magazu in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following a swift military response that forced the attackers to abandon their victims.
The operation followed credible information received by security forces in the late afternoon of August 8, 2026, while the abductors were attempting to move the passengers away from the major road.
The development was disclosed by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North-West, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to him, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe, mobilised to the area after receiving information that terrorists had intercepted commuters travelling along the route.
By the time the security forces arrived, the abductors had begun moving the passengers away from the road towards an unknown destination.
The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the passengers and flee into adjoining bushes.
All 33 victims were rescued without casualties, while the troops subsequently expanded their operations in the area to track the fleeing terrorists.
The successful intervention underscores the importance of timely intelligence in counter-terrorism operations, as the security forces were able to intercept the attackers before they could move the abducted passengers deeper into hostile territory.
The incident also highlights the continuing threat posed by terrorist attacks along major transportation routes in the North-West, where abductions are used to generate ransom and instil fear among road users.
The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to protect civilians, deny terrorists freedom of action and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West.
The command urged residents and road users to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information on the movements and activities of terrorists and other criminal elements.
