Nigerian army says it safely rescued 33 people kidnapped by gunmen

Nigeria's military announced that its troops rescued 33 civilians who had been seized by armed assailants while travelling through the northwestern Zamfara State. The service said its forces moved in together with police immediately after learning of the abduction, operating in the Tsafe area of Zamfara on Saturday afternoon. During the operation, troops encountered the kidnappers as they were transporting the hostages to an undisclosed location; the gunmen fled into nearby bush after coming under fire. Kidnappings for ransom by armed groups remain common in parts of northwestern Nigeria, with major highways frequently targeted. Analysts contend that payments made by desperate families, intermediaries, or, in some instances, Nigerian authorities have perpetuated the cycle of abductions. Lt-Col Aliyu Danja, spokesperson for the Nigerian army, said it was unclear where the abductors were taking the hostages when troops intercepted them, adding that the service is presently attempting to trace the perpetrators. He stated, "The troops engaged the terrorists with effectual fire, forcing them to wantonness the victims and fly into adjoining bushes," he said, noting that each the hostages had been recovered without immoderate casualties.