Troops foil kidnapping attempts, rescue 10 victims in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate kidnapping attempts and rescued 10 victims during ongoing clearance operations aimed at disrupting bandit activities and restoring security in parts of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were conducted on Sept. 27, 2026, along the Tsafe–Funtua Road and at Kade Daba village in Kanoma District of Maru Local Government Area.
In the first incident, troops deployed along the Tsafe–Funtua Road responded to reports of gunfire around the Kwanoni axis in Tsafe LGA.
The troops moved swiftly towards the area and encountered armed bandits, who engaged them in a brief exchange of fire before being overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
The bandits subsequently abandoned their operation and fled into the surrounding terrain.
Before the arrival of the troops, the assailants had set fire to a commercial vehicle. The occupants were, however, successfully evacuated, while troops secured the vehicle and prevented further damage.
Six persons in another vehicle that reportedly lost control during the attack were also safely rescued by the troops.
The troops subsequently secured the highway and cleared the affected section to facilitate the safe movement of motorists.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, troops responded to information about an abduction at Kade Daba village in Kanoma District, Maru LGA.
The troops immediately deployed to the area and engaged the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
Three victims were rescued at the scene, while a follow-up search operation in the surrounding area led to the recovery of one additional victim.
This brought the total number of victims rescued during the second operation to four.
In all, 10 persons were rescued from the two separate kidnapping attempts.
The rescued victims are currently receiving necessary care and assessment before being reunited with their families.
The operations underscore the continued efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to maintain pressure on armed groups operating along major highways and rural communities in the North-West, while improving the safety of civilians and road users.
