Gunmen abducted eight men during morning prayers at a mosque in Gidan Turbe, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Monday, September 15, 2025, as security forces launched a rescue operation amid rising banditry in northern Nigeria.

The Zamfara State Police Command, through spokesperson Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a statement Tuesday, clarifying that the number of victims was eight – Liman Yahaya, Dan Garfi, Malam Damu, Bello Natsuhuwa, Yakubu Isa, Audu Minista, Yaquba Ado, and Sabi Usman – not 40 as circulated on social media. The attack occurred around 5:07 a.m., with the assailants invading the village and targeting the worshippers.

Abubakar assured the public that police were collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders to secure the victims' release, urging residents to verify information from official sources to avoid panic. "The Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to intensify efforts towards combating all forms of criminal activities," the statement added.