Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 41 travellers abducted by armed bandits along a highway in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The travellers were reportedly travelling from Senegal to Kano State when the commercial vehicle conveying them developed a mechanical fault, providing an opportunity for the bandits to launch an attack.
A military source, Major Osoba Olaniyi, disclosed the development on Tuesday, saying the assailants attempted to force the passengers into the surrounding bush after taking control of the vehicle.
According to him, troops responded swiftly after receiving actionable intelligence on the incident and moved to the location to confront the attackers.
Olaniyi said the troops engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee towards nearby farmlands.
He said all 41 travellers were rescued unharmed.
The rescued passengers comprised 24 males, 10 females and seven children.
Olaniyi added that the victims were being provided with necessary support and would be reunited with their families after the required procedures.
He further disclosed that troops had maintained an operational presence in the area to protect travellers and pursue the fleeing bandits.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces under Operation Fansan Yamma to curb banditry and protect communities and travellers across the region.
