by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Seventy persons abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom following sustained air and ground assaults under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post on X on Saturday.
According to him, more than 150 armed men stormed several communities in Bukuyum Local Government Area on Thursday, including Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana and Barikin Daji, carting away dozens of residents.
Makama explained that after initially demanding huge ransoms, the bandits attempted to flee with their captives. Troops, however, moved in swiftly with coordinated ground operations and air strikes.
“On sighting Nigerian Air Force aircraft, the bandits panicked and released the abductees into nearby bushes before fleeing on motorcycles. Six women escaped that same day,” he noted.
He added that sustained bombardments eventually compelled the criminals to let go of the remaining hostages.
Just a week earlier, the military had launched massive strikes on bandit hideouts in Gyado Forest, eliminating over 100 fighters, including some of their key commanders.