Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims were rescued on Saturday after troops received credible information that terrorists had kidnapped commuters travelling through the Magazu area of the local government.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the JTF North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt Col Aliyu Danja, the troops, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe, swiftly mobilised to the area following the report.
He said the troops made contact with the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination.
“Troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes,” the statement said.
It added that the troops subsequently secured the area and rescued all 33 abducted passengers.
Following the operation, the troops commenced an exploitation of the general area and continued efforts to track down the fleeing terrorists.
The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, which resulted in the safe rescue of the victims without casualties.
The commander also reaffirmed the resolve of the operation to protect civilians, deny terrorists freedom of action and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West.
The military urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements.
