Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The passengers were rescued on Saturday, August 8, after security forces received credible intelligence that terrorists had abducted commuters travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of JTF North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops and police personnel deployed in Tsafe immediately mobilised to the area following the distress information.
Danja said the security forces made contact with the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an undisclosed location, prompting the troops to engage the criminals with effective fire.
“The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes,” he said.
He added that the security forces subsequently secured and rescued all 33 victims unharmed, with no casualty recorded during the operation.
Following the successful rescue, the troops commenced exploitation of the area and intensified efforts to track down the fleeing terrorists.
The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, describing the operation as another demonstration of the command’s resolve to protect innocent citizens and deny terrorists freedom of action.
The Theatre Command also reaffirmed its commitment to securing major transportation routes across the North-West and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security agencies.