Date: July 14, 2026 l By Kimberly Wilson
GUSAU, Nigeria — Three newly graduated Nigerian Army personnel have reportedly been abducted by suspected armed terrorists in Zamfara State while travelling to Kebbi State shortly after completing their military training, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.
According to reports, the soldiers had recently participated in their passing-out parade at the 26 Nigerian Army formation in Kaduna and were expected to be transported to Zuru, Kebbi State, where they were to begin their military assignments.
Sources familiar with the incident alleged that the military transport carrying the newly trained soldiers stopped in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, late in the evening. The soldiers were reportedly instructed to continue the remaining leg of their journey independently the following morning using commercial transportation.
On July 2, the three soldiers boarded a commercial vehicle departing from a motor park in Gusau alongside other passengers. While travelling through the Anka axis of Zamfara State, the vehicle was reportedly ambushed by heavily armed bandits, who abducted the soldiers, the driver, and several other passengers.
Family members of the abducted soldiers said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million for the captives' release before later reducing the ransom demand to ₦5 million for each hostage. Relatives expressed concern over the delay in securing the victims' freedom and appealed to the authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
According to the families, the Nigerian Army was informed about the abduction shortly after it occurred. However, they claim that more than 10 days later, they had received no official communication regarding rescue operations or the condition of the kidnapped soldiers.
The reported kidnapping has raised questions about the safety of newly enlisted military personnel travelling through regions plagued by armed banditry. Security analysts have noted that northwestern Nigeria continues to face persistent attacks by criminal groups that frequently target travellers, communities, and security personnel for ransom.
Zamfara State remains one of the areas hardest hit by armed bandit violence despite ongoing military offensives. Earlier this month, Nigerian security forces announced that hundreds of suspected bandits had been killed during a large-scale operation aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating across the state. However, attacks and kidnappings have continued in several rural areas.
Security experts say criminal groups operating across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, and neighbouring states have increasingly relied on kidnapping for ransom as a major source of funding. Victims have included civilians, students, healthcare workers, traditional rulers, and members of the security forces.
As of Tuesday, the Nigerian Army had not publicly confirmed the incident or issued an official statement regarding the reported abduction. Authorities also have not announced whether a rescue operation is underway or whether negotiations with the kidnappers have taken place.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing northwestern Nigeria, where communities and travellers remain vulnerable to attacks despite intensified military operations. Families of the kidnapped soldiers continue to call on the government and security agencies to secure their safe and immediate release.