By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have thwarted 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 security personnel received a distress call about an attack on civilians travelling along a local route in the community.
Aliyu Danja, media information officer of the Joint Task Force (North-West), Operation Fansan Yamma, said preliminary intelligence suggested that the terrorists were led by a suspected kingpin identified as Mallam Shuaibu.
According to the statement, the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the arrest of suspected collaborators who were allegedly connected to the terrorist network.
“The suspects had earlier been intercepted by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in support of the terrorists’ activities,” the statement reads.
The statement said the attackers later hid inside a millet farm along the route and opened fire on vehicles in an apparent attempt to abduct civilians. The gunfire reportedly caused some drivers to lose control of their vehicles and leave the road.
“In an apparent attempt to retaliate and abduct civilians, the terrorists concealed themselves within a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles, causing some drivers to lose control 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.
“Faced with the troops’ superior response, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding forest.
“Following the engagement, troops rescued nine civilians, including an infant.”
The military further disclosed that two women sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. They were evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Operation Fansan Yamma, the army said, would continue its operations against terrorist and criminal groups across the North-West.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace and security in the region.
