Kidnapped for three months: How three victims escaped terrorist camp in Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade, Counter-Terrorism Operation 6, have rescued three kidnap victims who escaped from a terrorist hideout after spending about three months in captivity in Zamfara State.

This was made known in a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.

Makama said the victims were rescued at about 8:45am on June 22, 2026, by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bagega in Anka Local Government Area of the state.

He disclosed that the victims managed to escape from their captors’ hideout before making contact with military personnel in the area.

“The troops immediately secured the victims and provided initial assistance before evacuating them for medical attention,” he said.

Makama further stated that the rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and treatment following their time in captivity.

He said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by troops to dismantle terrorist enclaves and secure the release of abducted persons across Zamfara State and other parts of the North-West region.

The report added that military operations against terrorist and criminal groups remain ongoing in the area.