The Joint Taskforce troops freed nine hostages, including an infant, after a fierce gun battle with suspected terrorists in Unguwar Rogo Village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, media officer in the North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying personnel also foiled an attempted mass abduction by terrorists during the 16 August 2026 encounter.
The troops acted on a distress call reporting that terrorists, believed to be led by suspected kingpin Mallam Shuaibu, had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians traveling on a local route.
Preliminary intelligence indicates the attack may have been a reprisal for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network.
The suspects had been intercepted by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to support terrorist activities, according to the statement.
In an attempt to retaliate and abduct civilians, the terrorists concealed themselves within a millet farm along the route and opened fire on passing vehicles, causing some drivers to lose control and veer off the road.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, troops of Sector 2 moved to the area and engaged the terrorists, denying them the opportunity to carry out the abduction.
Overwhelmed by the troops’ superior response, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding forest, leading to the rescue of nine civilians, including an infant.
Two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the initial attack were promptly evacuated for medical attention and are currently receiving treatment.
