Troops of Operation MESA, under the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, have rescued seven kidnapped victims following a late-night operation in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Babatunde Zubairu, assistant director, Army Public Relations, in statement on Sunday, said that the rescue occurred on 29 November 2025 at about 11:00 p.m., after troops—supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Police—responded to a distress call from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village.
“The security team made swift contact with the armed bandits and succeeded in freeing seven abducted persons. However, the assailants had already killed a 60-year-old woman before the troops arrived.
“Following the initial engagement, the troops pursued the fleeing bandits along their withdrawal route towards Rimaye, exchanging fire and preventing further harm to the victims.”
Four additional kidnapped persons remain unaccounted for, while the bandits reportedly escaped towards Kankia Local Government Area in Katsina State. Security forces say efforts are ongoing to track them down.
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The Commander of the 3 Brigade commended the troops for their rapid response and courage, urging residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.
