Seventy kidnap victims have been released by bandits in Zamfara State following sustained air and ground operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
The development was shared in a post on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Saturday.
Makama said that on Thursday, more than 150 bandits attacked villages in Bukuyum LGA, including Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana, and Barikin Daji, and abducted residents.
Makama said the bandits first tried to escape with the hostages after making large ransom demands.
However, troops swiftly deployed both ground and air assets to the area.
“On sighting NAF aircraft, the bandits became disoriented. They released the victims into the surrounding bushes and attempted to escape on motorcycles. Six women managed to escape that same day,” Makama wrote.
They said that the continued bombardment ultimately forced the bandits to release all the remaining hostages.
A week earlier, the military launched heavy strikes on bandit camps in Gyado Forest, killing over 100 fighters, including top commanders.
Zamfara bandits free 70 abductees after military airstrikes
