33 Abducted Persons Safely Rescued by Nigerian Army* -

*Nigerian Army Rescues 33 Kidnap Victims in Zamfara Operation*

The Nigerian Army says it has safely rescued 33 people who were kidnapped by gunmen while traveling through Zamfara State in the country’s north-west.

Army spokesman Lt-Col Aliyu Danja said troops, working with the police, responded immediately after the abduction was reported in the Tsafe area on Saturday afternoon. 

According to the army, the kidnappers were moving the hostages to an unknown location when troops intercepted them. Under fire, the gunmen abandoned the victims and fled into nearby bushes.

“The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes,” Danja said. He confirmed that all 33 hostages were recovered without any casualties. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing abductors.

Danja urged residents in the region to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to security agencies.

Kidnappings for ransom are common on major roads across north-western Nigeria. Analysts say ransom payments by families and intermediaries have fueled the attacks.

The Zamfara rescue is part of a recent string of successes by security forces. On Thursday, the presidency announced that more than 300 people abducted in separate attacks had been freed. These included 163 people taken in February from Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State, and at least 145 others kidnapped in Niger State. Weeks earlier, 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State were also released after more than 50 days in captivity.

With insecurity a major issue ahead of the 2027 elections, President Bola Tinubu announced on Wednesday an 80% pay increase for soldiers, citing the government’s “deep appreciation” for troops battling banditry, kidnapping and other armed threats across the country.