Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists along a highway in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state.

A statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Sunday, said the rescue followed a swift operation on the late afternoon of Friday, August 8, 2026.

Troops of Sector 2 of the operation, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe, received credible information that terrorists had intercepted commuters travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe LGA and were moving them toward an unknown destination.

The statement said the troops immediately mobilised to the location and made contact with the attackers. In an exchange of fire, the troops engaged the terrorists with what the military described as effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes.

“All 33 abducted persons were secured and rescued unhurt. The military said there were no casualties among the passengers during the operation,” Lt. Col Danja further stated. 

He said following the rescue, troops launched an exploitation of the general area and began tracking the fleeing terrorists.

The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism. 

He reiterated the command’s resolve to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action, and secure major transportation routes across the North-West region.