Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists along the Magazu axis of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The rescue followed a swift military response to credible intelligence received on Saturday, August 8, 2026, about the abduction of commuters travelling through the area.
According to the Joint Task Force, troops received the information in the late afternoon and immediately mobilised to the location in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe.
The security forces encountered the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers towards an unknown destination, prompting the troops to engage the assailants.
The sustained military response forced the terrorists to abandon the victims and flee into nearby bushes, enabling the troops to secure the area and rescue all 33 passengers.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken to safety, while troops commenced an extensive search and exploitation of the surrounding area in an effort to track the fleeing terrorists.
The operation was carried out without any reported casualty among the rescued passengers, underscoring the speed and coordination of the security response.
The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt intervention, professionalism and commitment to protecting civilians from terrorist attacks and abductions.
The commander also reaffirmed the determination of the Theatre Command to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect major transportation routes across the North West, particularly routes vulnerable to attacks on commuters.
The Joint Task Force urged residents and other members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information on the movements and activities of terrorists and other criminal elements.