Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 48 kidnapped residents following a swift military operation against suspected terrorists in Magami village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The rescue operation took place in the early hours of July 26, 2026, after security forces received an emergency report that a large group of armed terrorists had invaded the community.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the attackers arrived on about 40 motorcycles, rounded up dozens of residents and attempted to take them into the surrounding forest.
“The operation was launched after troops of Sector 2 received a distress call indicating that a large group of terrorists, riding about 40 motorcycles, had invaded the community,” Danja said.
He explained that while one group of terrorists held the kidnapped victims, another remained on the outskirts of the village with the motorcycles.
On reaching the scene, the troops immediately confronted the gunmen in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee into the bush.
“On arrival at the scene, the troops immediately engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding bush,” he stated.
The military said the operation led to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians.
However, the attack claimed the life of one resident, while two others suffered gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.
“Regrettably, one civilian lost his life during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kaura Namoda, where they are currently receiving medical treatment,” Danja added.
Following the successful rescue, troops carried out aggressive patrols across the area to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing terrorists.
The Theatre Command praised the courage and professionalism displayed by the troops during the operation and reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity across the North West.
“The Theatre Command commends the gallantry and professionalism of the troops for this successful operation and reassures residents of the North West of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement said.
The military also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help eliminate criminal elements from the region.
Source: Operation Fansan Yamma.
