Seventy kidnapped victims have been freed by bandits in Zamfara State following intense military air and ground operations. The release came after sustained attacks under the ongoing Operation FANSAN YANMA, which has seen the Nigerian military ramp up efforts to combat the banditry crisis in the northwestern region.
The victims were abducted by bandits who raided villages in Bukuyum Local Government Area (LGA), including Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana, and Barikin Daji. Sources revealed that over 150 heavily armed bandits launched simultaneous attacks on these villages, abducting residents and taking them to remote locations in the forests.
Initially, the bandits tried to escape with their captives, demanding large ransoms for their release. However, the military’s rapid response and coordinated air and ground operations in the region turned the situation in favour of the hostages.
According to military sources, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted airstrikes in the areas where the bandits were hiding, causing panic among the criminals. On sighting military aircraft in the vicinity, the bandits were reportedly disoriented and decided to release the hostages into the surrounding bushes. In their haste to flee, the bandits attempted to escape on motorcycles, but the ongoing bombardment forced them to abandon the victims altogether.
“The sight of the military aircraft caused confusion among the bandits, who feared further airstrikes. In an attempt to evade capture, they abandoned the victims and fled into the nearby forest,” a source revealed.
The hostages, who had been held in captivity for days, were later rescued by troops who combed the bushes where they were abandoned. The successful operation has been hailed as a major victory in the ongoing efforts to tackle banditry in the northwest, especially in Zamfara State, which has become a hotbed for criminal activity.
This successful rescue operation comes just a week after the military launched a series of heavy strikes on bandit camps in the Gyado Forest, a known hideout for bandits in the region. The strikes led to the deaths of over 100 bandits, including top commanders believed to be responsible for many of the recent kidnappings and violent attacks in the area. Military officials described the operation as one of the most successful strikes against bandit groups in recent months.
In recent years, banditry has escalated in Nigeria’s northwest, particularly in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Katsina. Armed groups, often referred to as “bandits,” engage in kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on villages, leaving communities in fear and devastation. Despite military and police efforts, these criminal groups have remained a major security threat to the region, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life.
The federal government has been under increasing pressure to tackle the worsening security situation in the north, especially after numerous reports of kidnappings and attacks on villages. This includes the targeting of innocent civilians, particularly women and children, in what has become an organized campaign of terror by armed groups.
Despite the challenges, the Nigerian military continues to ramp up its operations in a bid to restore peace to the region. Operation FANSAN YANMA, which was launched with the aim of combating banditry and improving security in Zamfara, has seen several successes, including the killing of high-profile bandit leaders and the freeing of kidnapped victims.
In response to the release of the 70 victims, many residents of Zamfara have expressed relief, although concerns about the continued activities of bandits persist. The latest operation has shown that with continued military pressure, it is possible to force the bandits to release hostages and reduce their control over the region.
While the release of the 70 victims is a positive outcome, security experts warn that sustained efforts and coordination between military, police, and local authorities are needed to fully address the underlying causes of banditry and ensure lasting peace in Zamfara and other affected states.
