Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have foiled a mass kidnap attempt and rescued 48 civilians after terrorists stormed Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State in the early hours of Sunday.
Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, confirmed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Danja said the operation was launched after troops of Sector 2 received a distress call that a large group of terrorists riding about 40 motorcycles had invaded the community.
According to him, the terrorists rounded up scores of residents with the intention of taking them into the bush, while another group waited on the outskirts of the village with the motorcycles, ready for a swift escape.
Responding rapidly, he said the troops moved into the village and engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight.
The said the overwhelming response forced the attackers to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush, leading to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians.
The operation according to him, dealt a significant blow to what could have become one of the largest mass kidnappings recorded in the area in recent weeks, underscoring the impact of the troops’ swift intervention.
Despite the successful rescue, one civilian was killed during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds. The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kaura Namoda, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Following the operation, troops carried out aggressive patrols across the general area to dominate the terrain, pursue the fleeing terrorists and prevent any further attacks.
The Theatre Command commended the gallantry, professionalism and swift response of the troops, describing the operation as another demonstration of the military’s determination to frustrate terrorist activities and safeguard communities across the North West.
It also reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to sustain ongoing operations against terrorist groups.
