In a move that would make any action hero proud, Nigeria's army has announced it safely rescued 33 people who were kidnapped by armed men while travelling through the north-western Zamfara state. The abduction occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Tsafe area, and the army, along with the police, mobilised immediately - presumably after someone shouted, "Not on our watch!"

The military found the kidnappers in the process of moving their hostages to an undisclosed location, which is probably for the best, because who wants to be moved to an unknown destination? The gunmen, upon seeing the troops, decided they had better things to do and fled into the nearby bush after coming under fire. The hostages were recovered without any casualties, which is a win in anyone's book.

Kidnappings for ransom are as common in parts of north-western Nigeria as potholes on a country road, and major roads have become prime targets for these ambushes. Analysts, with their knack for stating the obvious, note that ransom payments by desperate families, intermediaries, or even Nigerian authorities have fuelled the abductions. You don't say.

Army spokesman Lt-Col Aliyu Danja said it was unclear where the abductors were moving their hostages when troops intercepted them, adding that the army is now attempting to track the kidnappers. "The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes," he said, noting that all hostages were recovered safely. Danja also warned the public to remain vigilant and pass on any relevant information to security forces - because apparently, the bush is full of fleeing kidnappers.

This rescue comes on the heels of other recent successes. On Thursday, the presidency announced that more than 300 people abducted in separate attacks had been rescued. That includes 163 people kidnapped in February from the Woro and Nuku communities in Kwara state, where scores were killed, and at least 145 others taken in Niger state. And let's not forget the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from a school in Oyo state, who were freed after more than 50 days in captivity. Better late than never, right?

In a display of appreciation - or perhaps desperation - President Bola Tinubu announced on Wednesday that soldiers would get a pay increase of up to 80%, citing the government's "deep appreciation" for those battling the nation's enormous security threats. Tinubu is trying to curb widespread banditry, kidnappings, and violence from various armed groups, including Islamist militants. The ongoing insecurity has become a major political issue ahead of the 2027 elections, because nothing says "vote for me" like a country where you can't travel without a bodyguard.

So, kudos to the Nigerian army for another successful rescue. But as long as kidnappings remain a lucrative business, the cycle is likely to continue. Stay vigilant, folks.