How airstrikes forced bandits to free 70 kidnap victims

Persistent aerial bombardments under Operation FANSAN YANMA have compelled armed bandits to release 70 abducted persons in Zamfara State.

Security sources told analyst Zagozola Makama on Saturday that the victims were seized on Thursday when more than 150 gunmen raided several communities in Bukuyum Local Government Area.

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

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.