Persistent aerial bombardments under Operation FANSAN YANMA have led to a dramatic breakthrough in Zamfara State, where armed bandits were forced to release 70 abducted individuals.
Sources revealed to security expert Zagazola Makama on Saturday that the victims had been kidnapped during a large-scale attack on Thursday, when over 150 gunmen stormed multiple villages in Bukuyum Local Government Area.
The targeted communities included Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana, and Barikin Daji.
Initially, the heavily armed bandits attempted to flee with the captives after demanding sizable ransoms but, the swift deployment of ground troops and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets disrupted their movement.
One source described the scene saying: “On sighting NAF aircraft, the bandits became disoriented. They released the victims into the surrounding bushes and attempted to escape on motorcycles. Six women managed to escape that same day.”
The relentless airstrikes eventually overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to abandon all hostages in their custody.
This operation marks another significant victory for the Nigerian military, coming just a week after intense airstrikes on Gyado Forest killed over 100 bandits, including several notorious commanders believed to be behind recent kidnappings and attacks.
