Nigerian army says it rescued 33 people kidnapped by gunmen
The Nigerian army successfully rescued 33 people who had been kidnapped by armed gunmen in the Zamfara state. The operation occurred after troops intercepted the kidnappers while they were moving the hostages, forcing the gunmen to flee.
Why it matters
Kidnappings for ransom have become a major security crisis in Nigeria, impacting travel and public safety across the country's north-western regions.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jack Burgess HQ Nigerian Army / Facebook The Nigerian army released images on social media alongside a statement confirming the rescue Nigeria's army has said it safely rescued 33 people after they were kidnapped by armed men while travelling through the country's north-western Zamfara state.
The army said its troops mobilised alongside the police immediately after hearing about the abduction, in the Tsafe area of Zamfara on Saturday afternoon.
The military found the kidnappers in the process of moving the hostages to an unknown location, the army said, and the gunmen fled into the nearby bush after coming under fire.
Kidnappings by armed groups who hold people for ransom are common in parts of north-western Nigeria and major roads have become targets for attacks.
Analysts say ransom payments by desperate families, intermediaries or, in some cases, Nigerian authorities have fuelled the abductions.
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