Oluwatobi Adu 
ZAMFARA, Nigeria – Security forces have rescued all 33 passengers abducted by suspected terrorists along a remote route in Zamfara State following a timely intelligence tip from residents.
The passengers were reportedly seized while travelling along the Magazu route in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The rescue operation followed information received by security forces on Saturday about armed men stopping travellers in the area.
In a statement on Sunday, the spokesman for Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Aliyu Danja, said troops immediately mobilised to the location after receiving the intelligence.
He said the troops encountered the attackers as they were moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination.
According to Danja, the troops engaged the terrorists in a brief exchange of gunfire, forcing the attackers to abandon the captives and flee into nearby bushes.
All 33 passengers were subsequently recovered unharmed.
“Acting promptly, the troops mobilised to the location and made contact with the terrorists, who were already moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination,” Danja said.
He added that troops continued searching the surrounding area in an effort to track down the fleeing attackers.
The successful operation highlights the importance of timely intelligence from communities in responding to attacks and preventing the abduction of civilians in vulnerable areas.
Security authorities renewed their appeal to residents to provide accurate and timely information about suspicious movements and criminal activities.
They said community cooperation remained critical to disrupting terrorist and criminal networks and protecting travellers and residents across the region.
The development comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Zamfara and other states in north-west Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out attacks and abductions targeting communities and travellers.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Mirian Gom