Nigerian military rescues dozens of kidnap victims in Zamfara and Niger

The Nigerian military has conducted several operations across the country to rescue kidnap victims and combat insurgent activity. In Zamfara State, troops from Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued 41 travelers, including 24 men, 10 women, and seven children, after their vehicle broke down on a highway. The group was traveling from Senegal to Kano when bandits attempted to abduct them.

In Niger State, security forces and local vigilantes have mobilized to rescue farmers abducted in the Mariga Local Government Area. While police reports indicated over 20 people were taken from Mukura village, local government officials reported a higher figure of 47 victims, many of whom were women harvesting groundnuts. Reports indicate abductors have demanded 2 million Naira for each victim's release.

Broader military reports for the third quarter of 2026 indicate significant activity, with the Armed Forces of Nigeria reporting that 554 terrorists were killed and 1,736 kidnap victims were rescued during that period. Other recent operations included the rescue of two victims in Kebbi State, three civilians in Anambra State, and the neutralization of a terrorist in Sokoto State, where an AK-47 and other supplies were recovered.