Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Acting on credible information received in the late afternoon of 8 August 2026, the troops, working with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force deployed in Tsafe, responded swiftly to reports that terrorists had kidnapped commuters travelling through the Magazu area.

The troops mobilised to the location and made contact with the terrorists, who were already moving the abducted passengers towards an unknown destination. Engaging the attackers with effective fire, the troops forced them to abandon their victims and flee into nearby bushes.

All 33 abducted persons were secured and rescued unharmed. Troops have since begun exploitation of the general area and are continuing efforts to track the fleeing terrorists.

The Theatre Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, which ensured the safe rescue of the passengers without any casualty. He restated the Theatre Command’s resolve to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action, and secure major transportation routes across the North-West.

Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly share credible information on the activities and movements of terrorists and other criminal elements with security forces.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Friday night arrested three more persons suspected to be members of the kidnapping ring that abducted the dean of agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Professor Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor.

The university don was rescued by DSS operatives two days after some gunmen kidnapped him in the wee hours of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa-Eggon LGAs. Two suspects, including a lady, were arrested by the DSS at the time.

DSS operatives arrested the three other members of the kidnapping gang on Friday night at a local brothel on the Mararraban Akunza, Lafia – Makurdi highway

According to report, “the suspects were identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar (aka Black/Starboy), of the Doemak tribe in Plateau State;

37-year-old Usman Abubakar Mairiga,

and 27-year-old Sale Babauro Abubakar. Mairiga

and Abubakar are Hausa and Fulani respectively.

It was disclosed that the suspects are in the custody of the State Command for further investigations. The move, however, followed a valid detention warrant from a magistrate’s court.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, has confirmed that five students were abducted following an attack by suspected armed bandits on a private student hostel.

In a joint statement signed by SUG President Comr. Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Comr. Salau Boluwaduro Saidat, and Public Relations Officer Comr. Amb. Matthew Francis Sonayon (Sonat), the union said the incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. at a hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara.

The hostel is located in a remote area surrounded by thick bush, which the SUG described as vulnerable and unsuitable as a safe residential environment for students. The attack lasted about 30 minutes. Because of the isolated location, nearby residents were unable to hear or respond in time.

The assailants fired gunshots during the assault, but no student was killed. Several students managed to escape through the POP ceiling, while others were unable to flee. Five students were taken by the attackers.

The matter has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies. The SUG expressed confidence that efforts are underway to secure the safe rescue of the abducted students.

The union urged students, parents, guardians and the public to ignore false, exaggerated and unverified reports circulating on social media. While acknowledging that the incident is real and deeply unfortunate, it said many of the circulating stories do not accurately reflect the facts and only fuel unnecessary fear and panic.

The SUG called on everyone to remain calm, rely solely on verified information from the institution, the Students’ Union Government and security agencies, and avoid spreading rumours that could hinder ongoing rescue and security operations.

It also advised students seeking off-campus accommodation to prioritise hostels in secure, well-populated areas and avoid isolated locations that increase security risks.

The Students’ Union Government said it stands in solidarity with the affected students and their families and remains committed to working with school management and security agencies until the abducted students are safely reunited with their loved ones.