Nigeria, Oct. 21 -- Terrorists, locally known as bandits, have abducted at least 73 locals from Buzugu and Rayau villages in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Makama Zagazola, a counterinsurgency publication, disclosed this in a security alert posted on X Monday evening.

It said the terrorists launched midnight attacks on the villages on 18 October, kidnapping the unsuspecting villagers.

"Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred at about 2:45 a.m. on Oct. 18, when armed bandits in large numbers, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the two villages and whisked away the victims to an unknown destination," the publication posted.

"Sources said efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted persons...