Armed bandits on Monday abducted about 40 Muslim worshippers during early morning prayers at a mosque in Gidan Turbe village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Community sources said the attackers struck around 5:30 a.m., surrounding the mosque and whisking the worshippers away at gunpoint. The captives were reportedly taken into forests around the Gohori axis of Tsafe, causing panic and highlighting the fragility of ongoing peace initiatives in the North-West.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fasin Yamma (OPFY) successfully foiled several terrorist attacks across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States. In Katsina, soldiers of 17 Brigade FOB Mabai ambushed terrorists near Gatakawa village, recovering a motorcycle and a mobile phone. In Danmusa, troops repelled an ambush on Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives, though one officer later died from gunshot wounds.
In Kebbi, troops of 8 Division Garrison engaged terrorists at Ungushi village in Kebbe LGA, forcing them to flee. A civilian injured in the attack was evacuated to Kebbe General Hospital. In Augie LGA, soldiers and NSCDC personnel responded to an incident in Tunga Dade, where terrorists stole a motorcycle before escaping.
In Zamfara, troops of 1 Brigade Team 7 came under ambush near Kuka village while patrolling Mararaba Kyeware. Two soldiers sustained injuries and were evacuated to Tsafe General Hospital for treatment before being moved to 1 Brigade Medical Centre.
Military operations in the region continue, even as dialogue with some armed groups is being explored to reduce violence.