Troops foil mass abduction attempt in Zamfara

Nigerian troops have thwarted an attempt by armed men to abduct a large number of commuters in Unguwar Rogo, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, rescuing at least nine people, according to residents and security sources.

The attackers reportedly targeted road users after using thick vegetation near farmland as cover to ambush vehicles travelling through the area.

Residents said the assault was believed to have been linked to reprisals by fighters loyal to a suspected bandit leader, Malan Shuaibu, following the arrest of seven people allegedly involved in providing intelligence and logistical support to the group.

The suspects were reportedly arrested while facilitating the movement of ransom payments and attempting to procure motorcycles and petrol for the armed group.

A resident said the attackers blocked sections of the road and began targeting commuters, particularly those whose vehicles veered off the road into nearby bushes during the assault.

Three people were reportedly taken before troops arrived and disrupted the operation, rescuing at least nine others.

Two women were said to have sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were receiving medical treatment.

The incident has renewed concerns over the use of roadside vegetation as concealment by armed groups operating in parts of Zamfara. Residents said security agencies had previously advised farmers against cultivating tall crops close to major roads because of the cover they provide for attackers.

Security forces were continuing operations in the area on Monday to locate the fleeing assailants and disrupt the network believed to support them.

The Army said its official statement on the incident was being prepared. Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation’s media information officer, confirmed that a statement would be issued. The Zamfara State Police Command had not issued a separate statement on the incident as of Monday evening.