Zamfara troops rescue 31 kidnapped victims

Troops of the 1 Brigade, Combat Team 6, rescued 31 kidnapped victims during a patrol on the Bagega–Kawaye road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The operation was reported in a post shared on Friday night on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who provided details of the rescue.

According to Makama, the rescue occurred at about 6:33 a.m. on May 28 when the troops encountered the victims while conducting routine patrols in the area.

The victims had reportedly been held captive for several weeks after being abducted by suspected armed groups operating in the forested parts of Zamfara State.

It was also reported that the victims escaped following an airstrike by a Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunship in the western part of the Bagega forest. “The fleeing victims were later intercepted and secured by ground troops during follow‑up operations in the area,” Makama added.

Security authorities say efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued persons with their families after medical checks and necessary security procedures.

The military has reiterated its commitment to sustained air and ground operations aimed at dismantling criminal groups and restoring peace in Zamfara and the wider North‑West region.