Army rescues 33 kidnapped passengers in Zamfara

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Army has rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following a swift military response to credible intelligence on the kidnapping.

According to a statement from the Nigerian Army on Sunday, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) received information in the late afternoon of August 8, 2026, that terrorists had abducted commuters travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA.

“Acting promptly, the troops mobilized to the location and made contact with the terrorists, who were already moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination,” the statement read.

Security forces engaged the kidnappers in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their victims and flee into nearby bushes.

All 33 hostages were rescued unharmed.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA praised the troops for their “prompt response and professionalism,” which led to the safe rescue of all passengers without any casualties.

“He reiterated the resolve of the Theatre Command to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action, and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West,” the army statement said.

The military has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security forces.

The operation underscores ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry and kidnapping have plagued communities and major transport routes in recent years.

Troops have continued exploitation of the general area and are tracking the fleeing terrorists, the statement added.