Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The rescue operation followed credible intelligence received by troops of Sector 2, JTF North West, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe.

According to a statement on the operation, the troops received information late on Saturday, August 8, 2026, that terrorists had abducted passengers travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA.

The troops immediately mobilised to the area and encountered the terrorists as they were moving the victims to an undisclosed location.

The security forces engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the kidnapped passengers and flee into nearby bushes.

All 33 abducted persons were subsequently rescued safely, with no casualties reported among the victims.

Following the operation, troops launched an extensive search of the surrounding area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism, saying the successful operation demonstrated the command’s determination to protect civilians, restrict terrorists’ freedom of movement and secure major transportation routes across the North-West.

The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information about the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements.