Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Niger Republic have rescued six abducted Fulani villagers and arrested seven suspected members of the Islamic State -West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a swift counter-ambush operation.
According to counter terrorism expert Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred on April 23, 2025, when ISWAP fighters raided Fulani settlements at Kaula and Barwa, situated along the Komadougou Yobe River in Diffa Region, near Damasak on the Nigeria–Niger border.
According to security sources, the terrorists abducted six persons during the raid. The victims included an adult male, one boy, three adult females, and a girl.
Intelligence received by the Nigerien troops under Sector 4 of the MNJTF prompted a rapid response that led to an ambush against the fleeing terrorists.
All six abducted victims were rescued unhurt during the operation, while seven members of the terrorist group were arrested. Several others escaped the scene.
Items recovered from the suspects included four AK-47 rifles, eight loaded magazines, three mobile phones, and 21 jerrycans filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The suspects and the recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation.
