Trending 
Troops have rescued 48 people kidnapped by armed groups during an attack on a village in Zamfara State, the military said on Sunday.
The operation was launched after troops received a distress call that a large group of gunmen, riding about 40 motorcycles, had invaded Magami village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in the early hours of July 26, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, media information officer for the Joint Task Force North West.
“The terrorists rounded up numerous residents with the intention of taking them into the bush, while another group remained at the outskirts of the village with the motorcycles,” Danja said.
Troops engaged the gunmen in a firefight, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee, he said.
All 48 abducted civilians were rescued, according to the military.
One civilian was killed during the attack, while two others sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital, Danja said.
Troops conducted patrols in the area following the operation to prevent further attacks, he added.
“The Theatre Command commends the gallantry and professionalism of the troops for this successful operation and reassures residents of the North West of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” Danja said.
Zamfara is one of several states in northwestern Nigeria hit by heavily armed criminal gangs who raid villages, steal livestock and carry out mass kidnappings for ransom.
TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA RESCUE 48 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN ZAMFARA STATE
Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 48 kidnapped victims following a swift response to a terrorist attack on Magami village, Kaura Namoda Local… pic.twitter.com/342RiqB1pf
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 26, 2026
