On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, conducted successful operations in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State. The troops rescued 10 people from terrorists who had attempted to abduct them. In Maru, Sector 2 troops received information about an abduction in Kade Daba village, Kanoma District, and quickly moved into the area.
The troops engaged the terrorists and rescued four villagers, including three who were rescued during the initial encounter and another who was found during a search of the area. According to Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer of JTF North-West, the swift response was made possible by timely information received by the troops. The rescued victims were taken to a safe location.
In a separate incident, troops conducting a picketing operation along the Tsafe-Funtua Road heard gunshots near Kwanoni and encountered terrorists retreating through the surrounding high ground. The soldiers engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon their plans to abduct occupants of a Sharon vehicle, which they had set ablaze.
The occupants of the Sharon vehicle had escaped before the fire consumed it. Additionally, six other people escaped from danger after their vehicle lost control during the shooting. The troops rescued them from the scene and later moved the affected vehicle off the road to restore traffic flow. No casualties were reported in the incidents.
The JTF theatre commander praised the troops for their vigilance and swift response, commending their efforts to protect civilians along major roads and communities. He emphasized that the task force would sustain offensive operations against terrorists and restrict their movement across the North-West.
The commander also urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through official channels. This, he said, would help in preventing future attacks and ensuring the safety of the people. The troops' efforts have been recognized as a significant blow to terrorist activities in the region.
The recent operations are part of the Joint Task Force North-West's continued efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in Zamfara State and the North-West region. The troops' proactive measures have led to several successful operations, including the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of rustled cattle.
Key points
- The JTF North-West rescued 10 people and foiled two abduction attempts in Zamfara State on September 27, 2026.
- The operations took place in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas, with troops engaging terrorists and rescuing victims.
- The JTF theatre commander praised the troops for their vigilance and swift response, commending their efforts to protect civilians.
