Troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest have rescued 33 passengers who were kidnapped by terrorists in Zamfara State’s Tsafe Local Government Area.
The rescue came in reaction to intelligence obtained by troops on Saturday concerning the kidnapping of commuters traveling through the Magazu district of Tsafe.
Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the Media Information Officer for JTF Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
Danja said Sector 2 troops, together with Nigeria Police Force officials stationed in Tsafe, received word in the late afternoon of August 8 that terrorists had abducted travelers traveling via 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 also stated that the troops subsequently commenced exploitation of the area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.
Danja stated that the Theater Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised the forces for their quick response and professionalism, which resulted in the safe rescue of the passengers with no casualties.
“He reiterated the resolve of the Theater Command to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action, and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West,” he stated.
The military asked the public to remain watchful and provide credible information to security services regarding terrorists’ actions and movements.
