Three Newly Passed-Out Nigerian Soldiers Reportedly Kidnapped by Bandits in Zamfara, Abductors Demand Ransom of N50M

Three newly passed-out Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been kidnapped by suspected bandits in Zamfara State, with the abductors demanding millions of naira for their release.

According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred on July 2, 2026, after the soldiers completed their military training in Kaduna.

Reports indicate that the soldiers were expected to be transported by the military from Kaduna to Zuru, Kebbi State. However, they were allegedly dropped off in Gusau, Zamfara State, late in the day and instructed to continue the rest of their journey the following morning.

The following day, the soldiers reportedly boarded a commercial vehicle from a motor park in Gusau alongside other passengers travelling to Kebbi State.

While passing through the Anka axis of Zamfara State, the vehicle was allegedly ambushed by heavily armed bandits, who abducted the passengers, including the three soldiers and the driver.

According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million as ransom before later reducing the demand to ₦5 million for each captive.

Families of the abducted soldiers reportedly said they informed military authorities shortly after the incident but claimed that, more than 13 days later, they had not received any official update regarding rescue efforts.

A security analyst who also spoke about the incident on social media said he had been in contact with the families of the victims.

According to him, six soldiers were initially travelling after their passing-out parade. He said three managed to escape during the attack, but only one has since been accounted for, while the whereabouts of the other two remain unknown.