Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 33 passengers abducted by suspected terrorists in Zamfara State. The victims were rescued while being moved through Magazu Village in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state. The Army said the operation was carried out by troops of the 1 Brigade, Forward Operating Base, Tsafe, following credible intelligence on the abduction.
According to the Army, soldiers mobilised to the area at about 8:15 a.m. on August 8 after receiving information about the movement of the abducted passengers. The troops reportedly made contact with the terrorists as they attempted to move the victims to an undisclosed location.
A confrontation followed, forcing the terrorists to abandon the passengers and retreat into nearby bushes. The 33 victims were subsequently secured by the soldiers and taken into custody for further necessary action.
Following the rescue, the troops conducted an exploitation of the surrounding area while pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
The Army said no casualty was recorded among its personnel during the operation. The development represents another intervention by security forces along vulnerable routes in Zamfara, where travellers have faced the threat of abduction and other attacks.
The Nigerian Army said the operation demonstrated its continued commitment to protecting civilians, disrupting terrorist activities and rescuing persons held by criminal groups. It added that troops would sustain operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and improving security across affected communities and travel routes in the state.
