Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have foiled an attempted mass abduction in Unguwar Rogo village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescuing nine civilians, including an infant.
The incident occurred on August 16 after troops received a distress call reporting that terrorists had attacked civilians travelling along a local route in the community.
Aliyu Danja, media information officer of Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, said the attackers were believed to have been led by a suspected terrorist kingpin, Mallam Shuaibu.
According to the statement, 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.
The suspects had reportedly been intercepted by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the terrorists.
The military said the attackers concealed themselves in a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles in an apparent attempt to abduct civilians. Some drivers reportedly lost control of their vehicles and veered off the road.
Troops from Sector 2 responded to the distress call and engaged the attackers, preventing them from carrying out the abduction.
The terrorists subsequently fled into the surrounding forest.
Nine civilians, including an infant, were rescued after the operation. Two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack were evacuated for medical treatment and are receiving care.
The military said Operation Fansan Yamma would continue operations against terrorist groups and other criminal elements in the North-West while maintaining measures to protect civilians and improve security across the region.
