Army rescues 33 kidnap victims in Zamfara

Soldiers from the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have managed to save 33 kidnapped passengers by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

This rescue was made possible due to an operation based on information received by troops on Saturday regarding the kidnapping of commuters passing through the Magazu region of Tsafe.

This was reported by the Media Information Officer of JTF North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, in a statement released on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Danja stated that troops from Sector 2, along with officers from the Nigeria Police Force stationed in Tsafe, received information towards the evening of August 8, that passengers were kidnapped by terrorists passing through the region.

“Acting promptly, the troops mobilized to the location and made contact with the terrorists, who were already moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination.

“The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes. The troops then secured and rescued all 33 abducted persons,” Danja said.

He added that the troops subsequently commenced exploitation of the area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

Danja said the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, which led to the safe rescue of the passengers without any casualty.

“He reiterated the resolve of the Theatre Command to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action, and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West,” he said.

The military urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information about the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security forces.