Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have foiled a terrorist ambush in Zamfara State, rescued two abducted herders and recovered 520 livestock allegedly rustled by terrorists in Sokoto State.
The operations were carried out on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, according to a statement issued by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Captain Tamuno Sinivie.
The statement said troops conducting a fighting patrol along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara came under a coordinated ambush by terrorists positioned on both sides of the road.
The troops reportedly responded with firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw from the area.
“Following the encounter, troops maintained their operational momentum, dominated the affected road and restored freedom of movement for commuters,” the statement said.
However, one soldier sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire and was evacuated for medical attention. The military said the soldier was in stable condition.
In a separate operation in Sokoto State, troops foiled an attempt by suspected terrorists to rustle livestock and abduct herders at Takasaba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
The task force said the troops acted on intelligence about terrorist activities in the area and swiftly mobilised to confront the attackers.
According to the statement, the troops engaged the suspected terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandon 520 livestock and two herders who had been abducted.
The rescued herders were identified as Malam Sulaiman, 50, and Nasiru Sulaiman, 14.
The military said the two victims were subsequently handed over to the Sabon Birni Local Government authorities.
The statement did not disclose the number of suspected terrorists killed or injured during the Zamfara encounter, nor did it provide further details about the identities of those who fled in Sokoto.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General W.B. Idris, commended the troops for their conduct during the operations and urged them to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-West.
He also reassured residents of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the joint operations area.
The commander called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal and terrorist activities.
Operation Fansan Yamma is a military operation focused on addressing security threats across Nigeria’s North-West, where communities have faced attacks, abductions and livestock rustling.
West Trybe reports that the operations highlight continuing military efforts to secure vulnerable communities and major routes in the North-West, while the rescue of the two herders and recovery of the livestock provide relief to those affected by the attempted attack in Sokoto.
