Troops Rescue 41 Travellers Abducted By Bandits In Zamfara

Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 41 travellers abducted by bandits along the highway in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara State.

A military source, Major Osoba Olaniyi, who disclosed this to LEADERSHIP on Tuesday, said the incident occurred after the commercial vehicle conveying the travellers from Senegal to Kano State developed a mechanical fault.

Olaniyi said bandits took advantage of the breakdown to attack the vehicle and attempted to whisk the occupants into the surrounding bush.

He said acting on actionable intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the armed group in a gun duel.

According to him, the superior firepower of the troops forced the bandits to abandon the victims and flee into nearby farmlands.

He said all the 41 victims, comprising 24 males, 10 females and 7 children, were rescued unharmed.

The military source added that the rescued travellers were receiving necessary support and would be reunited with their families.

He further said troops had sustained operational presence in the area to ensure safety of travellers and apprehend the fleeing suspects.