Soldiers rescue 41 abducted travellers in Zamfara

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Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued 41 travellers abducted by bandits after their commercial vehicle broke down along a highway in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The victims comprised 24 males, 10 females and seven children.

A statement by the operation on Tuesday said the vehicle, which was travelling from Senegal to Kano State, developed a mechanical fault along the highway, leaving the passengers stranded.

According to the statement, the bandits took advantage of the situation and attempted to move the occupants into the surrounding area.

“Acting on actionable intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the armed group with superior firepower,” the statement partly read.

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It added that the military’s intervention forced the bandits to abandon the victims and flee into nearby farmlands.

“All 41 victims were successfully rescued unharmed,” the statement added.

The rescued travellers are currently receiving the necessary support and are expected to be reunited with their families and transit authorities.

The operation further disclosed that troops had maintained an active presence in the area to protect travellers and pursue the fleeing suspects.

The development comes amid sustained military operations across the North-West aimed at disrupting bandit activities and protecting communities and travellers along major highways.

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