Soldiers rescue 33 kidnapped passengers in Zamfara
August 9, 2026 2:50 pm
Some of the rescued passengers. Credit: Nigerian Army
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers kidnapped by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The rescue followed a response to information received by troops on Saturday about the abduction of commuters travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe.
The Media Information Officer of JTF North-West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Danja said troops of Sector 2, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe, received information in the late afternoon of August 8, that terrorists had abducted passengers travelling through the area.
“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 troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes. The troops then secured and rescued all 33 abducted persons,” Danja said.
He added that the troops subsequently commenced exploitation of the area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.
Danja said the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, which led to the safe rescue of the passengers without any casualty.
“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,” he said.
The military urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information about the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security forces.
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]