Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police, have rescued 33 travellers abducted by bandits in Zamfara State.

The victims were abducted in the late afternoon of August 8 while travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.

The Media Information Officer of OPFY, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He said the troops were mobilised to the area after receiving information about the abduction.

According to him, the troops made contact with the bandits while they were moving the victims to an unknown destination.

“The troops engaged the terrorists with effective fire, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into adjoining bushes.

“The troops then secured and rescued all 33 abducted persons. Following the rescue, troops commenced exploitation of the general area and continued efforts to track the fleeing terrorists,” Danja said.

He said the rescue was achieved without any casualties.

Danja added that the Theatre Commander, Operation Fansan Yamma, commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism, which led to the safe rescue of the victims.

“The Theatre Commander reiterated the resolve of the Theatre Command to protect innocent citizens, deny terrorists freedom of action, and safeguard major transportation routes across the North-West,” he said. (The Nation)