Troops rescue 33 abducted passengers in Zamfara

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The rescue was carried out on Saturday, August 8 following credible information on the kidnap of commuters, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

Danja said troops of JTF NW OPFY, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed at Tsafe, received credible information in the late afternoon of August 8 that terrorists had abducted passengers travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA.

“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 statement reads in part.

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.

Following the rescue, troops commenced exploitation of the general area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

The Theatre Commander, 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.

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