Troops Rescue 18 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Two Lakurawa Terrorists In Zamfara
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 18 abducted persons and arrested two suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate counter-terrorism operations across Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on August 10, 2026, followed intelligence-led responses to terrorist activities and distress calls within the state.
In the first operation, troops responded to a distress call concerning the sighting of terrorists on the outskirts of Sabon Gari Village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Upon arrival, the troops established contact with the terrorists and successfully rescued 18 abducted persons, including Alhaji Aminu Dayau and his children.
The terrorists, however, fled across a river line with some of their captives before troops could rescue them. Troops have intensified exploitation of the area and are continuing efforts to locate and rescue the remaining abducted persons while tracking the fleeing terrorists.
Two Lakurawa Suspects Arrested
In another intelligence-driven operation, troops apprehended two suspected members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group identified as Abdul Rahman Bouye and Mohammed Jamilu, both nationals of the Niger Republic.
Preliminary intelligence indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in terrorist activities within the Zurmi general area, including providing information and technical assistance for the emplacement of improvised explosive devices along the Zurmi-MSR.
Items recovered from the suspects included identity cards, master keys and local charms, among other items.
The suspects remain in military custody pending their handover to the Department of State Services for further necessary action.
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush In Maradun
Meanwhile, troops of Forward Operating Base Faru, acting on intelligence about the movement of terrorists with rustled cattle, embarked on a special operation towards Tunga/Jambako villages in Maradun Local Government Area.
The troops proceeded to a suspected crossing point, where they encountered the terrorists while in an ambush position.
The troops immediately engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, forcing them to withdraw.
During the exchange of fire, two tyres of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle were damaged by RPG fragments. No casualty was recorded among the troops.
The troops subsequently withdrew to base to secure the affected vehicle, while further exploitation of the area was scheduled for first light due to poor visibility.
Troops Respond To Abduction Report In Tsafe
In a separate incident, troops of FOB Wanzamai responded to a report of the abduction of residents in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The terrorists opened fire upon sighting the approaching troops and withdrew towards Hayin Bilbis Village in the direction of Katsina State, apparently to avoid contact with the troops.
Subsequent exploitation of the area indicated that the terrorists had abducted one male and two female residents.
No casualty was recorded among the troops, while efforts are ongoing to establish the whereabouts of the abducted persons and track the fleeing terrorists.
The military said fighting patrols remain ongoing across the area of responsibility, while troops maintain heightened alert at their various locations.
The general security situation within the troops’ area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining satisfactory morale and combat readiness.
