Seven kidnapped victims have been rescued by troops of Operation MESA, under the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army during a late-night operation in Tsanyawa local government area of Kano State.
Following a distress call received around 11:00 p.m, on Friday, from residents of Yankamaye Cikin Gari, who reported bandit activity in the community, the rescue operation was launched by the troops.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, explained that the troops, working in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Air Force and the Police, swiftly moved to the area, engaged the bandits, and freed the victims.
The attackers, according to Zubairu, had killed a 60-year-old woman before the troops arrived.
He explained that soldiers pursued the armed men, after the initial contact along their withdrawal route toward Rimaye and engaged them with what he described as a “high volume of fire”, forcing them to abandon the captives.
Four abducted victims are said to remain unaccounted for.
According to the statement, “The fleeing bandits escaped toward Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, while security forces continue efforts to track their movement.”
The 3 Brigade troops were commended by the Commander for their bravery and swift response and enjoined residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information to aid ongoing operations aimed at eliminating banditry in border communities.