Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Rescue 18 Abducted Persons, Arrest Two Lakurawa Suspects 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 a series of intelligence-led operations across Zamfara State.
The operations, conducted on Monday, August 10, 2026, were carried out in response to intelligence reports and distress calls concerning terrorist activities in different parts of the state.
In one of the operations, troops responded to information on the presence of terrorists around Sabon Gari Village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Upon reaching the area, the troops engaged the terrorists and successfully rescued 18 abducted persons, including Alhaji Aminu Dayau and his children.
The terrorists, however, managed to escape across a river with some of their captives. Troops have since intensified operations in the area and are pursuing the fleeing terrorists while making efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
Two Lakurawa Suspects Arrested
In a separate 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 investigations indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in terrorist activities around the Zurmi area, including providing information and technical assistance for the emplacement of improvised explosive devices along the Zurmi-MSR axis.
Items recovered from the suspects included identity cards, master keys and local charms. They remain in military custody pending their handover to the Department of State Services for further investigation and necessary action.
Troops Repel Terrorist Ambush in Maradun
Meanwhile, troops of Forward Operating Base Faru, acting on intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists with rustled cattle, conducted a special operation towards Tunga and Jambako villages in Maradun Local Government Area.
The troops encountered the terrorists at a suspected crossing point, where the criminals had taken an ambush position. The soldiers responded with effective firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw.
During the exchange, RPG fragments damaged two tyres of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. No troop casualty was recorded.
The troops subsequently returned to base to secure the affected vehicle, with further exploitation of the area scheduled for first light due to poor visibility.
Troops Respond to Abduction in Tsafe
In another operation, troops of Forward Operating Base Wanzamai responded to reports of an abduction in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The terrorists opened fire after sighting the approaching troops before withdrawing towards Hayin Bilbis Village in the direction of Katsina State.
Further exploitation of the area revealed that the terrorists had abducted one male and two female residents. No casualty was recorded among the troops, while efforts are ongoing to locate the victims and track the fleeing terrorists.
The military said fighting patrols and surveillance operations remain ongoing across the area of responsibility, with troops maintaining heightened alert and combat readiness.
The latest operations highlight the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue abducted civilians and deny criminal groups freedom of movement across Zamfara State.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA: Troops Rescue 18 Abducted Persons, Arrest Two Lakurawa Suspects in Zamfara