Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 41 travellers who were reportedly abducted after their commercial vehicle broke down along a major highway in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The travellers, including seven children, were intercepted by armed bandits who took advantage of the vehicle’s mechanical fault to attack the stranded passengers and attempt to move them away from the highway.
According to a statement on the operation, the commercial vehicle was travelling from Senegal to Kano State when it developed a mechanical problem along the highway.
The occupants were reportedly left vulnerable as they waited for assistance. The armed group then moved in and attempted to take the passengers into the surrounding area.
However, troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, responded after receiving actionable intelligence about the incident.
Security forces quickly mobilised to the location and engaged the armed men, who were reportedly forced to abandon the travellers and flee into nearby farmlands.
All 41 passengers were rescued unharmed.
Those rescued comprised 24 men, 10 women and seven children, according to the military.
The operation prevented what could have developed into a major kidnapping incident along one of the region’s important transport routes, where travellers remain vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
The rescued passengers are currently receiving necessary assistance from the authorities and are expected to be reunited with their families and relevant transit authorities.
Meanwhile, troops have maintained a security presence in the area in an effort to protect other road users and prevent the attackers from returning.
Security forces are also pursuing the fleeing suspects, according to the military.
The successful rescue comes amid persistent concerns over attacks on highways in parts of north-western Nigeria, where armed groups have targeted motorists, commercial vehicles and communities for ransom.