Nigerian Troops Foil Abduction Attempt, Rescue Civilians, Neutralise IED In Zamfara | Sahara Reporters

The operations were carried out across Bukkuyum, Anka, and Tsafe local government areas of the state.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have foiled separate abduction attempts by terrorists, rescued several civilians, and safely neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Zamfara State.

The operations were carried out across Bukkuyum, Anka, and Tsafe local government areas of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the joint task force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, which was made available to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, troops of Sector 2 responded to an abduction incident along the Gurusu–Anka Road following a distress call.

“On 17 August 2026, troops of Sector 2 responded to an abduction incident along the Gurusu–Anka Road and swiftly pursued the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their captives and flee,” Danja stated. “Seven victims, comprising 4 women and 3 children, were successfully rescued unharmed.”

In a separate engagement around Magazu Village in Tsafe LGA, troops intercepted a gang of terrorists attempting to abduct motorists along the highway.

“In a separate operation in Tsafe LGA, troops responded swiftly to reports of terrorists attempting to abduct motorists around Magazu Village,” Danja said. “The troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.”

He added that “the rescued victims, some of whom sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, were promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.”

Earlier on the same day, troops responded to an alert regarding an IED planted by suspected terrorists along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum LGA.

“Troops of Sector 2 responded to the discovery of a terrorist-planted IED along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum LGA,” the military spokesperson noted. “The area was immediately secured, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team successfully neutralized the device, thereby averting potential casualties among troops and civilian road users.”

Reacting to the developments, the Theatre Command assured residents that troops would maintain operational momentum across the Joint Operations Area.

“The Theatre Command reassures 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,” Danja emphasised.

“Members of the public are equally urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities to security forces.”