Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, JTF NW OPFY, overpowered bandits, and rescued 33 kidnapped travelers in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

The Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, in a statement indicated that troops responded to credible information on the kidnap of commuters by terrorists.

The Media Information Officer narrated that Troops of JTF NW OPFY, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed at Tsafe, received credible information in the late afternoon of 8 August 2026 that terrorists had abducted passengers travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA. 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.

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. Following the rescue, troops commenced exploitation of the general area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, which led to the safe rescue of the passengers without any casualty. He reiterated the resolve of the Theatre Command to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action, and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West.

Members of the public were encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security forces.