Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 31 kidnapped victims during a patrol operation in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in what security authorities described as another success in the ongoing fight against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West.
The rescue was carried out by troops of the 1 Brigade, Combat Team 6, along the Bagega–Kawaye road in Anka Local Government Area after the victims reportedly escaped from their captors following a military offensive in the area.
According to security sources, the operation took place at about 6:33 a.m. on May 28, 2026, when troops conducting routine patrols came across the group of fleeing victims.
The rescued persons had reportedly spent several weeks in captivity after being abducted by suspected bandits operating in remote forest areas of Zamfara State.
Sources familiar with the operation said the victims regained their freedom after a Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunship carried out an airstrike on suspected criminal hideouts in the western part of the Bagega Forest.
The aerial bombardment was said to have disrupted the activities of the armed groups and created an opportunity for the captives to escape from their abductors.
Following the airstrike, ground troops moved into the area to conduct follow-up operations aimed at tracking fleeing criminals and securing the affected communities.
During the operation, soldiers reportedly intercepted the escaping victims and took them into protective custody.
A security source explained that the victims were found while trying to make their way to safety after fleeing from the bandits’ camp.
“The victims escaped after the airstrike and were later encountered by troops during patrol operations. They were immediately secured and taken to safety,” the source said.
Military authorities have not yet released the identities of the rescued persons, but officials said arrangements were being made to reunite them with their families after the completion of medical examinations and other necessary security procedures.
The victims are also expected to receive medical attention and psychological support following their ordeal in captivity.
The latest rescue operation comes as security forces continue to intensify military actions against bandit groups across Zamfara and other states in the North-West region.
For years, Zamfara has remained one of the states most affected by insecurity, with armed groups carrying out attacks on villages, highways and farming communities.
Thousands of residents have been displaced by the violence, while many others have been killed, kidnapped or forced to abandon their homes and farmlands.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the major security challenges in the state, with criminal gangs frequently targeting travellers, farmers, students and community leaders.
Large forest areas spread across Zamfara and neighbouring states have often been used as hideouts by armed groups, making military operations difficult.
In response, the Nigerian military has increased both air and ground offensives against criminal elements operating in the region.
The Nigerian Air Force has played a major role in these operations through intelligence gathering, surveillance missions and targeted airstrikes against suspected terrorist and bandit camps.
Despite these gains, authorities acknowledge that significant challenges remain as armed groups continue to adapt their tactics and move between forests located across state borders.
Residents of Zamfara have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect communities and major roads from attacks.
Many communities in rural areas continue to live under the threat of abduction, cattle rustling and violent raids by criminal gangs.
The latest rescue has therefore been welcomed by local residents and community leaders who see it as a sign that ongoing military operations are producing results.
Several residents expressed relief that the victims were rescued alive and praised the efforts of security personnel involved in the operation.
Military authorities have continued to reassure citizens that operations against bandits and other criminal groups will remain a top priority.
According to security officials, troops are maintaining pressure on armed groups through sustained patrols, intelligence-led missions and targeted offensives aimed at destroying criminal camps and cutting off their movement routes.
The military has also urged residents to continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in identifying and tracking criminal elements.
Authorities believe that stronger cooperation between local communities and security forces will improve efforts to restore lasting peace to affected areas.
As the rescued victims begin the process of reuniting with their families, the operation stands as another example of ongoing efforts by security agencies to reduce kidnapping and restore stability in Zamfara State.
While challenges remain, military officials insist that continued air and ground operations will help weaken criminal groups and improve security across the wider North-West region.