Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 41 travellers abducted by bandits after their commercial vehicle broke down along a highway in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The travellers, comprising 24 men, 10 women and seven children, were reportedly travelling from Senegal to Kano State when the vehicle developed a mechanical fault, leaving them stranded on the highway.
The bandits reportedly seized the opportunity to attack the stranded passengers and attempted to move them into the surrounding bush.
However, troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, who received actionable intelligence about the incident, quickly mobilised to the area and engaged the armed bandits.
The military said the troops’ superior firepower forced the attackers to abandon the victims and flee into nearby farmlands.
A statement issued by the operation on Tuesday said all 41 travellers were rescued unharmed.
The statement said, “All 41 victims were successfully rescued unharmed.”
It added that the rescued travellers were receiving necessary support and would be reunited with their families and relevant transit authorities.
The troops have also maintained an active presence in the area while pursuing the fleeing bandits, according to the statement.
