By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled separate terrorist abduction attempts, rescued civilians and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by terrorists in Zamfara State.
The operations, which took place in different locations across the state, underscore the sustained efforts by security forces to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect communities and major transportation routes.
Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the troops recorded the successes during separate operations in Bukkuyum, Tsafe and Anka areas of the state.
According to Danja, on August 17, troops of Sector 2 responded to an abduction incident along the Gurusu–Anka Road and swiftly pursued the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
He said seven victims, comprising four women and three children, were rescued unharmed.
In a separate operation in Tsafe Local Government Area, troops responded to reports of terrorists attempting to abduct motorists around Magazu Village.
Danja said the troops engaged the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.
He added that some of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Earlier the same day, troops of Sector 2 responded to the discovery of a terrorist-planted IED along the Gurusu–Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum LGA.
The area was immediately secured, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team successfully neutralised the device, averting potential casualties among troops and civilian road users.
Danja said the successful interventions demonstrated the vigilance, responsiveness and determination of Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to protect lives, secure communities and keep major routes safe from terrorist activities.
He assured residents that the Theatre Command would continue to maintain pressure on terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area and deny them the freedom to threaten innocent citizens.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities to security forces.
