Nigeria’s Army has rescued 33 people who were kidnapped by armed men while travelling through Zamfara State in the country’s north-west, according to the military.
The army said troops, working with the police, were deployed after receiving reports of the abduction in the Tsafe area over the weekend. The security forces intercepted the kidnappers as they were moving the victims to an unknown location, forcing the gunmen to flee into nearby bushes after coming under fire.
Army spokesman Lt-Col Aliyu Danja said all 33 hostages were rescued without casualties, while troops were continuing efforts to track down the abductors.
“The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes,” Danja said. He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide relevant information to security agencies.
Kidnappings for ransom remain widespread across parts of north-western Nigeria, with major roads frequently targeted by armed groups.
The latest rescue follows several other successful operations. On Thursday, Nigeria’s presidency said more than 300 people abducted in separate attacks had been rescued, including 163 people taken from Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara State and at least 145 others abducted in Niger State.
The development comes as President Bola Tinubu intensifies efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections.