Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 41 travellers after bandits attempted to abduct them when their commercial vehicle broke down along a highway in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims, comprising 24 males, 10 females and seven children, were travelling from Senegal to Kano State when the vehicle developed a mechanical fault, leaving them stranded on the highway.
A statement issued by the military operation on Tuesday said the bandits seized the opportunity to attack the stranded travellers and attempted to move them into the surrounding area.
It said troops, acting on intelligence about the incident, quickly mobilised to the location and engaged the armed group.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the armed group with superior firepower,” the statement partly read.
The military said the intervention forced the bandits to abandon the travellers and escape into nearby farmlands.
“All 41 victims were successfully rescued unharmed,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the rescued travellers are receiving necessary support and are expected to be reunited with their families and transit authorities.
It added that troops remained deployed in the area to safeguard travellers and continue the pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
The rescue comes as security forces sustain operations across the North-West to disrupt bandit activities and protect communities and travellers using major highways.
