Troops Rescue 41 Travellers Abducted Along Zamfara Highway, Foil Other Kidnap Attempts

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 41 travellers who were abducted after their commercial bus broke down along the Tsafe-Funtua Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident occurred on Monday when the bus, travelling from Senegal to Kano State, developed a mechanical fault along the highway. According to preliminary reports, armed bandits took advantage of the situation and attempted to move the stranded passengers into nearby areas.

The military said troops acted on actionable intelligence, swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the attackers with superior firepower. The pressure reportedly forced the armed men to abandon the victims and flee into nearby farmlands.

The rescued travellers comprised 24 males, 10 females and seven children. The military said all 41 victims were rescued unharmed and are receiving the necessary support.

Authorities said arrangements would be made to reunite the victims with their families and transit authorities, while troops continue operations in the area to protect travellers and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In separate operations on Sunday, troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, also foiled two abduction attempts and rescued 10 victims in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

In Maru, troops received information that terrorists had abducted villagers in Kade Daba Village, Kanoma District. They mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers, rescuing three victims. A subsequent search led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the total number rescued in the operation to four.

In another operation along the Tsafe-Funtua Road, troops conducting a picketing operation heard gunshots around Kwanoni and moved towards the location. The military said they encountered terrorists withdrawing through nearby high ground and engaged them, forcing them to flee. The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their response and professionalism, reaffirming the military’s commitment to continued operations against armed groups in the North-West.