The Nigerian army has said it safely rescued 33 people after they were kidnapped by armed men while traveling through the country's north‑western Zamfara state.
The troops mobilised with the police right after learning of the abduction, arriving at the Tsafe area on Saturday afternoon. They found the kidnappers already moving the hostages to an unknown destination.
When soldiers confronted them, the gunmen fled into nearby bush after coming under fire, but all hostages returned unharmed and no casualties were reported.
Such kidnappings are a major problem in the region, where armed groups hold people for ransom and major roads become frequent targets. Analysts say ransom payments by desperate families, intermediaries and even Nigerian authorities have fed the cycle of abductions.
Army spokesman Lt‑Col Aliyu Danja said he is now tracking the attackers and urged the public in the area to stay alert and share information with security forces.
The rescue follows the successful recovery of more than 300 abductees in separate attacks that week, including 163 from a February raid on communities in Kwara state and 145 from Niger state. The freed people were released after months in captivity.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement of up to an 80%% salary increase for junior soldiers underscores the government’s effort to strengthen forces against the wide‑flaring banditry, kidnappings and violence that loom ahead of the 2027 elections.
With national insecurity rising, the event remains a key political issue as Nigeria works to secure safer roads and protect its citizens.
