By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 people in operations across Zamfara State.

The military said the incidents occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state.

In Maru, troops of Sector 2 responded to information that terrorists had abducted villagers at Kade Daba Village in Kanoma District.

The troops engaged the attackers and rescued three victims, while a subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the total rescued at the location to four.

In a separate incident along the Tsafe-Funtua road, troops conducting a picketing operation near Kwanoni heard sporadic gunshots and moved towards the area. They encountered terrorists withdrawing through surrounding high ground and engaged them, forcing the attackers to flee.

According to the military, the terrorists had set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants. The occupants escaped before the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.

Six other people were rescued from another vehicle that reportedly lost control as a result of the gunfire. The vehicle was later towed away from the road to restore traffic flow.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying their actions helped protect civilians along major roads and communities within the task force’s area of responsibility.

The commander also reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained operations against terrorists in the North West and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through official channels.

The Nigerian Army has operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and protect vulnerable communities across Kebbi State.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the deployment was part of the Army’s strategy to optimise its force structure, expand its operational presence, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security threats across the North-West.

Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the new formation provides effective fire support and contributes to ongoing security operations within the division’s area of responsibility.

Koughna said the deployment was particularly aimed at addressing threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges in Kebbi State.

He urged troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and tactical focus while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and protecting law-abiding citizens in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The GOC also stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders, noting that sustained peace would require effective coordination and synergy.

During the visit, Koughna commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack. He assured the community of an increased military presence to enhance the safety of residents.

The residents expressed appreciation for the Army’s continued efforts to improve security in Jandutse and across Kebbi State.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding critical energy infrastructure and strengthening partnerships that support Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.

The COAS stated this on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Tony Attah, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Lieutenant General Shaibu described energy security as an important component of national security, noting that the protection of strategic energy assets is essential to sustaining industrial productivity, economic stability and national development.

He assured the delegation of the Nigerian Army’s continued support towards securing critical national infrastructure and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities to thrive.

The Army Chief also underscored the importance of sustained engagement between energy companies and their host communities. He commended Renaissance Africa Energy for its efforts towards building constructive relationships with communities within its areas of operation, stressing that mutual trust, dialogue and shared interests remain vital to promoting peace and stability.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further noted that the ongoing expansion and transformation of the Nigerian Army would strengthen its operational reach and responsiveness to emerging security challenges. He explained that the expansion of formations, supported by improvements in manpower, infrastructure and capabilities, would enhance the Army’s capacity to protect critical national assets and support the Federal Government’s broader development objectives.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Tony Attah, commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices in securing the country and protecting strategic economic assets, particularly in challenging operational environments.

He acknowledged the importance of a secure operating environment to the sustainability of the energy sector and pledged the company’s continued commitment to advancing energy security, indigenous capacity development and industrialisation in Nigeria.