Troops Rescue 33 Kidnapped Passengers, Force Terrorists To Flee

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The rescue followed a swift response by troops of Sector 2, JTF NW OPFY, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe, after receiving credible information about the abduction of commuters in the Magazu area of the local government.

According to the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the troops received the information in the late afternoon of August 8, 2026, and immediately mobilised to the area.

He said the terrorists were already moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination when the troops made contact with them.

“Acting promptly, the troops mobilized to the location and made contact with the terrorists, who were already moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination,” Danja said.

He explained that the troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes.

“The troops then secured and rescued all 33 abducted persons,” he added.

Danja said following the successful rescue, the troops commenced exploitation of the general area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

He quoted the Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, as commending the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, which resulted in the safe rescue of all the passengers without any casualty.

The Theatre Commander, according to Danja, also reiterated the resolve of the command to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West.

The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security forces.