Troops of Operation MESA, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Police, have rescued seven kidnapped victims during a late-night operation in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The rescue followed a distress call from residents of Yankamaye Cikin Gari village at about 11:00 p.m. on 29 November 2025, reporting a bandit attack.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director Army Public Relations for 3 Brigade, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, the attackers had already killed a 60-year-old woman before troops arrived.
Responding swiftly, the joint force engaged the bandits and freed seven of the abducted persons.
It was disclosed that the troops pursued the fleeing gunmen along their escape route toward Rimaye, exchanging fire and preventing them from taking the captives deeper into the bush.
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However, four victims remain missing as the bandits escaped toward Kankia Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State.
Captain Zubairu said efforts are ongoing to track the bandits and rescue the remaining victims.
The Commander of 3 Brigade commended the troops for their bravery and rapid response.
He called on residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations against banditry and kidnapping across the region.