Troops foil bandit attack in Zamfara, rescue 48 kidnap victims

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have foiled a planned bandit attack on Magami village in Zamfara State, rescuing 48 kidnapped victims during a counter-operation against armed criminals operating in the area.

The military intervention followed intelligence that armed bandits were preparing to invade the community. Troops were quickly deployed to intercept the attackers before they could gain access to the village.

During the encounter, the troops engaged the bandits and forced them to withdraw into nearby forest areas following a superior tactical response. The military subsequently launched a clearance operation around the area, leading to the discovery and rescue of 48 victims who had previously been abducted during attacks across the district.

The rescued victims, including women and children, were evacuated to a military medical facility where they are undergoing medical checks, psychological support, and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families.

Military authorities confirmed that none of the rescued individuals sustained life-threatening injuries during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to provide them with necessary care following their ordeal in captivity.

The Joint Task Force under Operation Fansan Yamma said it would continue to intensify surveillance operations, including ground patrols and aerial monitoring, across vulnerable communities, forest routes, and criminal hideouts in the North-West region.

The military reiterated its commitment to dismantling bandit networks and restoring security in affected communities, while urging residents to continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations.