No fewer than 40 Muslim worshippers were abducted by armed bandits during early morning prayers at Gidan Turbe village mosque in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to local sources, the attackers struck at about 5:30 a.m., surrounding the mosque before seizing the worshippers at gunpoint. The captives were later taken into the forests around the Gohori axis of Tsafe.
The attack has thrown the community into fear, underscoring the fragility of ongoing peace efforts in the North-West, where dialogue with armed groups continues to face obstacles.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fasin Yamma (OPFY) reported foiling several terrorist attacks across Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara States.
In Katsina, soldiers from 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, although one officer later died from gunshot injuries.
In Kebbi, 8 Division Garrison troops engaged terrorists at Ungushi village, Kebbe LGA, forcing the attackers to flee. A civilian injured in the assault was evacuated to Kebbe General Hospital. In Augie LGA, troops and NSCDC personnel also responded to an incident in Tunga Dade, where terrorists stole a motorcycle before escaping.
In Zamfara, soldiers from 1 Brigade Team 7 on patrol at Mararaba Kyeware were ambushed near Kuka village. Two soldiers were injured and rushed to Tsafe General Hospital before being transferred to 1 Brigade Medical Centre.
Military operations in the North-West remain active even as dialogue with some armed groups is being pursued.
