SUNTV Global Channel | August 18, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have reportedly foiled separate attempts by terrorists to abduct civilians, rescued several victims and safely neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Zamfara State.
The operations were carried out in Bukkuyum, Anka and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state, according to a statement issued by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
On August 17, troops of Sector 2 reportedly responded to an abduction incident along the Gurusu–Anka Road after receiving a distress call.
The troops pursued the suspected terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
Seven victims, comprising four women and three children, were reportedly rescued unharmed.
In another operation around Magazu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area, troops reportedly intercepted terrorists allegedly attempting to abduct motorists along the highway.
According to the military, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon their victims and escape into nearby bushes.
Some of the rescued victims reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Earlier on the same day, troops also responded to reports of an IED planted along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The area was reportedly secured while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team located and successfully neutralised the device, preventing possible casualties among soldiers and civilians using the road.
The Theatre Command said troops would continue operations against terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area and work to prevent them from threatening civilians.
The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious activities.
The reported operations come amid continuing security challenges in parts of Zamfara and other states in Nigeria’s North-West region.
SUNTV Global Channel could not independently verify the military’s account of the operations. The information in this report is based on the statement issued by the Joint Task Force.
