Troops rescue 33 abducted passengers in Zamfara

Monday, August 10, 2026 - Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The passengers were rescued on Saturday, August 8, 2026 following credible information that terrorists had abducted commuters travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, August 9, 2026 by the Media Information Officer of JTF North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, the troops and police personnel deployed in Tsafe immediately mobilised to the area after receiving the information.

Danja said the security forces made contact with the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an undisclosed destination.

The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes. 

He added that the troops subsequently secured and rescued all 33 abducted persons without any casualty.

Following the successful rescue, the troops commenced exploitation of the area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

“Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) rescued 33 kidnapped passengers in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following a swift response to credible information on the kidnap of commuters by terrorists,” the statement read.

"Troops of JTF NW OPFY, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed at Tsafe, received credible information in the late afternoon of 8 August 2026 that terrorists had abducted passengers 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 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. Following the rescue, troops commenced exploitation of the general area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

"The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commend 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.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements to security forces.”