Troops foil mass abduction attempt in Zamfara

Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled an attempt by terrorists to abduct several people in Unguwar Rogo, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

A resident, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the attack was allegedly carried out by fighters loyal to a notorious bandit leader, Malan Shuaibu.

• Atiku congratulates Adeleke, says Osun result is sign of 2027
• Reynolds, McElhenney target Premier League with Wrexham

He said the attack was believed to be in response to recent security operations against the group and its supporters.

According to the resident, security forces had earlier arrested seven suspected informants and suppliers who allegedly worked for Shuaibu. Some were also accused of helping to transfer ransom money to the terrorists through Point of Sale (POS) agents.

“The security forces arrested seven people who were informants and those who sent ransom money to them through POS. That is why one of his boys planned the mass abduction,” he said.

A security source said troops were sent to the area after receiving a distress call that terrorists had entered Unguwar Rogo, blocked roads and started abducting travellers.

The source said Shuaibu and his associates were allegedly angered by the arrest of some of their collaborators while trying to get motorcycles and petrol for the terrorists.

The resident said the attackers hid in farmland near the road and ambushed passing vehicles.

He said security agencies had previously warned farmers against growing tall crops close to roads because they could provide cover for criminals.

According to him, the attackers targeted vehicles that lost control and moved into nearby bushes, apparently intending to abduct their occupants.

The attackers reportedly abducted three people, but troops quickly responded and rescued at least nine others.

Two women were also injured by gunfire and were receiving treatment, the resident said.

Troops are continuing operations in the area to track the fleeing terrorists, disrupt their support network and prevent further attacks.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, and the operation’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, confirmed that a statement on the incident was being prepared.

Efforts to get a response from the Zamfara State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful.