Troops of 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 operation, which took place on August 16, 2026, followed a distress call alerting security forces to an attack on civilians travelling along a local route in the community. According to the military, the terrorists were believed to be led by a suspected kingpin identified as Mallam Shuaibu.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said preliminary intelligence suggested that the attack could have been carried out as a reprisal following the recent arrest of suspected collaborators allegedly linked to the terrorist network.
He explained that the arrested suspects had earlier been intercepted while allegedly attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to support terrorist activities.
According to him, the attackers subsequently concealed themselves in a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles. The gunfire reportedly caused some drivers to lose control of their vehicles and veer off the road.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, troops from Sector 2 moved into the area and engaged the terrorists, preventing them from carrying out the planned abduction. Unable to withstand the military response, the attackers reportedly abandoned their operation and fled into the surrounding forest.
Following the engagement, the troops rescued nine civilians, among them an infant. Two women who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack were also evacuated and taken to a medical facility, where they are receiving treatment.
The military said the operation underscores its determination to deny terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to operate against vulnerable communities in the North-West.
Operation Fansan Yamma further assured residents that troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist networks while strengthening measures aimed at protecting lives, securing communities and restoring lasting peace across the region.