Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued nine kidnap victims and recovered 108 livestock following separate operations against suspected bandits in Kebbi State.
The operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area also led to the recovery of 34 cows and 74 rams reportedly stolen by the armed criminals.
The military said on Wednesday that the operations followed a distress call over the invasion of communities around Danko by suspected bandits, who abducted residents and rustled livestock.
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According to a statement, troops of Sector 2 mobilised to the affected communities and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
Two victims, identified as Barbuga Bawashe, 26, and Barka Dakaji, 61, were rescued during the encounter.
“In a related operation on the same day, troops rescued seven other kidnapped victims in Sabon Tunga and Binoni villages,” the statement added.
The seven victims were identified as Muhammad Dogonta, 60; Zakari Yahu, 32; Basara Sheu, 10; Adam Shehu, 12; Hatsat Umar, 14; Albaria Hamsu, 12; and Yehusa Lawali, 35.
The military said the victims had spent several months in captivity before escaping from their abductors amid sustained military operations in the area.
They were subsequently handed over to the District Head of Unashi for onward return to their families.
The military said the operations were part of efforts to maintain pressure on criminal groups and restore security across the North-West.
Kebbi and other states in the region have continued to grapple with attacks involving kidnappings, killings and cattle rustling, particularly in communities close to state borders.
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