Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled an attempt by terrorists to abduct civilians in Unguwar Rogo village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The troops also rescued nine civilians, including an infant, during the operation carried out on Sunday, August 16.
The incident followed a distress call received by troops that terrorists, reportedly led by a suspected kingpin, Mallam Shuaibu, had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of JTF North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt-Col Aliyu Danja, preliminary intelligence suggested that the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network.
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The suspects were earlier intercepted by troops while allegedly attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the terrorists.
Danja said the terrorists, apparently seeking to retaliate and abduct civilians, concealed themselves in a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles.
He said the gunfire caused some motorists to lose control of their vehicles and veer off the road.
“Responding swiftly to the distress call, troops of Sector 2 moved to the area and decisively engaged the terrorists, denying them the opportunity to carry out the abduction,” the statement said.
The terrorists, faced with the troops’ response, abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding forest.
The troops subsequently rescued nine civilians, including an infant, while two women who sustained gunshot wounds in the attack were evacuated for medical treatment.
The task force said it remained committed to denying terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to attack innocent citizens, adding that it would sustain pressure on terrorist networks across the North-West.