Nigerian troops have successfully foiled separate mass abduction attempts in Sokoto and Zamfara states, rescuing 27 kidnapped victims during coordinated military operations aimed at curbing banditry in the North-West.
According to security sources, the operations were carried out following credible intelligence on the movement of armed bandits who had abducted residents from vulnerable communities. Troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the criminals, leading to fierce gun battles in remote forest areas.
The military said the superior firepower of the troops forced the bandits to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush with varying degrees of injuries.
Among those rescued were women, children, and elderly persons who had endured traumatic experiences while in captivity. The victims were immediately evacuated to safety, where they received medical attention before being reunited with their families.
Security authorities disclosed that the rescue operations formed part of ongoing offensives against criminal groups operating across Sokoto, Zamfara, and neighbouring states. The military has intensified patrols, intelligence-driven raids, and clearance operations to dismantle bandit enclaves and restore peace to affected communities.
Residents of the rescued communities commended the swift response of the security forces, describing the intervention as timely and life-saving. They also appealed for sustained military presence to prevent renewed attacks by fleeing bandits.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence that would assist security agencies in tracking down criminal elements.
The latest operation is another boost to ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the North-West region, where attacks on rural communities have remained a major security challenge.
