Troops have freed 70 kidnapped residents in Zamfara State after coordinated air and ground offensives.
The victims were released when bandits fled during intense military pressure across affected communities.
At least 70 people abducted in Zamfara State have regained freedom after intense air and ground operations carried out under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed the development in a post on Saturday, noting that the release followed days of coordinated military pressure.
According to him, more than 150 armed men stormed several communities in Bukuyum Local Government Area on Thursday, attacking villages such as Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana and Barikin Daji. Dozens of residents were taken away during the raids.
The abductors reportedly demanded huge ransoms but were forced to abandon their victims when troops moved in with both ground forces and air bombardments.
“On sighting NAF aircraft, the bandits became disoriented. They released the victims into the surrounding bushes and attempted to escape on motorcycles,” Makama wrote. Six women were said to have managed to escape on the same day.
Makama added that the sustained military action eventually compelled the criminals to let go of all remaining captives.
This rescue came barely a week after similar airstrikes on bandit hideouts in Gyado Forest, which killed more than 100 fighters, including some of their leaders.
