Security forces have rescued 33 passengers who were reportedly abducted by terrorists while travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State.
The victims were rescued on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after security personnel received credible information that terrorists had intercepted commuters along the route.
Following the alert, troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tsafe, alongside personnel of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and the Nigeria Police Force, quickly mobilised to the area.
The security forces reportedly encountered the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers towards an undisclosed location.
The troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the victims and escape into nearby bushes.
All 33 passengers were subsequently rescued and secured by the troops without any reported casualty among the victims or security personnel.
According to the military, the operation began at about 8:15 a.m. following the receipt of intelligence regarding the abduction.
After rescuing the passengers, the troops carried out a search of the surrounding area while continuing efforts to track down the fleeing terrorists.
Aliyu Danja, media information officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, confirmed that the security forces responded swiftly after receiving information about the abduction.
He said the troops’ engagement with the terrorists forced them to abandon the passengers and flee.
“The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes,” Danja said.
The Army said the successful rescue operation demonstrates the continued efforts of security forces to protect civilians, disrupt terrorist activities and prevent abducted persons from being moved to other locations.
The theatre commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism during the operation.
He also urged residents of Zamfara and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information about suspicious movements and the activities of terrorists and other criminal groups.
The latest operation comes amid continued security challenges along vulnerable routes in Zamfara State, with security forces intensifying efforts to protect travellers and communities from terrorist attacks and abductions.
Source: Nigerian Army / Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
