One killed, two injured as troops rescue 48 kidnap victims in Zamfara

…foil terrorists’ abduction attempt

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

One civilian was killed and two others sustained gunshot wounds when terrorists attacked Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, before troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 48 kidnapped residents.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, 2026, when terrorists riding about 40 motorcycles invaded the community and abducted scores of residents. The development was disclosed in a statement posted on the verified X page of the Nigerian Army and signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2 swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress call and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle upon arrival at the scene.

The military said the intense exchange of fire forced the attackers to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush, leading to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians.

“The prompt intervention led to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians,” the statement said.

It, however, noted that one civilian died during the attack, while two others who sustained gunshot wounds were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kaura Namoda, where they are receiving medical treatment.

Following the operation, troops carried out aggressive patrols across the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.

The Theatre Command commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property across the North-West.

It also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to sustain ongoing operations against terrorist groups in the region.