Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 41 travellers, including women and children, after armed men attempted to abduct them following a vehicle breakdown along a highway in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the rescue in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Sector 2. The Army said troops responded swiftly after receiving intelligence on the incident, engaged the attackers, forced them to flee into nearby farmlands, and rescued all the passengers safely.
The travellers were said to be on their way from Senegal to Kano State when their commercial vehicle developed a mechanical fault and became stranded on the highway.
The situation reportedly attracted armed men who tried to seize the opportunity to abduct the passengers.
However, troops of Sector 2 quickly arrived at the scene and confronted the attackers, preventing the abduction.
According to the Army, all 41 passengers were rescued without injury.
The rescued travellers include 24 men, 10 women and seven children.
The Army said the victims are receiving the necessary support and will be reunited with their families and relevant transit authorities.
It added that troops have remained in the area to protect other road users and continue the search for the fleeing suspects.
The latest rescue highlights the continued efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to improve security and protect commuters in parts of the North-West where armed groups have remained active.
