Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The operation followed credible intelligence that terrorists had intercepted commuters traveling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA.
Swift Response to Intelligence
According to a statement issued on Sunday, August 9, 2026, by the Media Information Officer of JTF North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops and police personnel deployed in Tsafe mobilized immediately after receiving the information in the late afternoon. The security forces made contact with the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an undisclosed destination.
The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes. All 33 abducted persons were secured and rescued without any casualty, Danja confirmed.
Military Statement Details
“Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) rescued 33 kidnapped passengers in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following a swift response to credible information on the kidnap of commuters by terrorists,” the statement read.
“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 traveling 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,” Danja added.
Commander's Commendation and Public Appeal
The Theatre Commander of 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 are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security forces,” the statement concluded.
Ongoing Operations
Following the successful rescue, troops commenced exploitation of the area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists. This operation underscores the ongoing commitment of security forces to combat terrorism and banditry in the North-West region, which has seen numerous kidnappings and attacks on commuters in recent years.
