By Promise Eze 

Troops have foiled an attempted mass abduction by terrorists in Unguwar Rogo village, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara state, rescuing nine civilians, including an infant.

In a statement, Aliyu Danja, media information officer, joint task force (north-west) Operation Fansan Yamma, said the incident occurred on August 16 after troops received a distress call that terrorists, believed to be led by suspected kingpin Mallam Shuaibu, had infiltrated the community and attacked civilians travelling along a local route.

Preliminary intelligence indicated that the attack may have been carried out in reprisal for the recent arrest of suspected collaborators linked to the terrorist network.

“The suspects had earlier been intercepted by troops while attempting to procure motorcycles and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in support of the terrorists’ activities,” the statement reads.

“In an apparent 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 decisively engaged the terrorists, denying them the opportunity to carry out the abduction.

“Faced with the troops’ superior response, the terrorists abandoned their mission and fled into the surrounding forest. 

“Following the engagement, troops rescued nine civilians, including an infant.”

The army added that two women who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack were evacuated for medical attention and receiving treatment.

The army said Operation Fansan Yamma remains committed to denying terrorists and other criminal elements the freedom to attack civilians.

It added that the joint task force would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist networks while taking measures to protect lives and restore lasting peace and security across the north-west region.

Source: TheCable