Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have foiled a terrorist ambush along the Anka–Guruzu Road in Zamfara State, rescued two abducted herders and recovered 520 livestock in Sokoto State.

The military disclosed that the operations, conducted on Wednesday, October 28, followed reports of terrorist activities in the affected areas.

In Zamfara State, troops of Sector 2 came under attack while conducting a fighting patrol to clear the Anka–Guruzu Road.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, the terrorists launched a coordinated ambush from both sides of the road.

He said the troops responded with superior firepower, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat.

“The gallant troops responded with overwhelming firepower, courageously fighting through the ambush and inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, who subsequently withdrew from the area in disarray,” the statement said.

The military added that the troops subsequently secured the road and restored freedom of movement for commuters.

However, a soldier sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter and was evacuated for medical attention.

“The soldier is currently in stable condition,” the statement added.

In a separate operation in Sokoto State, troops reportedly foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock and abduct herders in Takasaba village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

The statement said the troops acted on credible intelligence about terrorist activities in the area and swiftly mobilised to confront the attackers.

According to the military, the terrorists fled after the troops engaged them with superior firepower, abandoning 520 livestock and two abducted herders.

The rescued victims 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.

It described the operations as evidence of the troops’ determination to deny terrorists freedom of action, secure critical routes and protect vulnerable communities across the North-West.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General W.B. Idris, commended the troops for their gallantry and fighting spirit.

He urged them to sustain the offensive against terrorist groups operating in the region.

Idris also reassured residents of the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security, urging members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.