Troops rescue 13 kidnap victims, arrest 11 suspected bandit collaborators in Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji, have rescued 13 kidnapped villagers and arrested 11 suspected collaborators during separate operations targeting bandit activities in Zamfara State.

The military also intercepted two trucks loaded with food supplies allegedly destined for a notorious bandit leader’s camp, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks operating across the state.

According to military authorities, the rescue operation was carried out during a search-and-rescue mission along the Gobirawan Chali and Dangulbi axis near the Dansadau Forest in Maru Local Government Area.

The 13 victims, all from Mutunji village in the Dansadau Emirate, were reportedly abandoned by their captors as troops advanced into the area. The rescued villagers were evacuated to a secure location where they received medical attention and preliminary debriefing before being handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reunification with their families.

In a separate operation in Zurmi Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence intercepted two Canter trucks at Kwanar Boko carrying 127 bags of grains allegedly meant for a bandit camp linked to notorious kingpin Halilu Sububu.

Eleven suspects believed to be members of the logistics network supplying the bandit group were arrested at the scene and are currently in military custody for further investigation.

The military also raided and cleared a suspected terrorist hideout at Gidan Jaja in Zurmi Local Government Area, further disrupting criminal activities in the area.

The latest operations form part of the ongoing offensive by Operation Hadarin Daji to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the North-West.

Security authorities said the renewed campaign focuses not only on rescuing victims and confronting armed groups but also on dismantling the logistics and supply networks that sustain bandit operations. Officials noted that cutting off access to food, fuel and other essential supplies has become a key strategy in weakening criminal gangs operating in the region.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations until armed groups are dismantled and peace is restored to affected communities across Zamfara and the wider North-West region.