Military airstrikes force bandits to release 70 kidnap victims in Zamfara

In a major breakthrough against banditry, sustained aerial bombardments under Operation FANSAN YANMA have forced armed bandits to release 70 abducted persons in Zamfara State.

Security analyst Zagozola Makama confirmed the development on Saturday, revealing that the victims had been seized on Thursday during a large-scale attack in Bukuyum Local Government Area. More than 150 gunmen reportedly stormed several villages, unleashing terror on residents before whisking away dozens of people.

Communities affected by the raid include Ruwan Jema, Yashi, Gasa Hula, Kurfan Danya, Rafin Maiki, Ruwa Rana, and Barikin Daji. The coordinated strikes by the Nigerian military forced the criminals to abandon their captives in the forest, leading to the safe recovery of the hostages.

According to the sources, the heavily armed gang initially tried to escape with the captives after demanding large ransoms, but ground troops and fighter jets were quickly deployed to block their movement.

“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,” one source said.

The intensified strikes ultimately forced the criminals to let go of all the hostages in their custody.

This latest success comes just a week after devastating air raids on Gyado forest killed more than 100 fighters, including several key commanders.