Bandits panic under airstrikes, abandoned 70 kidnapped victims in Zamfara

Sustained air operations under Operation FANSAN YANMA have forced armed bandits to release 70 abducted persons in Zamfara State.

Sources told Makama Zagazola, a security experts on Saturday that the victims were seized on Thursday when more than 150 gunmen invaded several communities in Bukuyum Local Government Area.

The affected villages included Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana and Barikin Daji.

According to the sources, the bandits had attempted to escape with the captives after demanding huge ransoms, but troops swiftly deployed both ground and air assets to the axis.

“On sighting Nigerian Air Force aircraft, the bandits became disoriented. They released the victims into the surrounding bushes and attempted to flee on motorcycles. Six women managed to escape that same day,” one source disclosed.

Further bombardments in the area, the sources added, compelled the criminals to abandon all the hostages.

This operation comes barely a week after the Air Force launched devastating strikes on bandits’ strongholds in Gyado Forest, killing over 100 fighters, including several notorious commanders.