Troops Rescue Women, Babies Kidnapped by Bandits in Zamfara Forest

Troops from the Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have successfully rescued five women and two babies in a forest in Zamfara State.

OPHD’s spokesman, Suleiman Omale made the announcement on Thursday.

The victims had been held captive in the Kuyambana forest for two months.

After their rescue, they underwent debriefing sessions and were expeditiously handed over to the appropriate authorities for the necessary procedures to reunite them with their respective families.

Omale said:

“Troops, in a daring operation, successfully stormed Kuyambana forest in Zamfara state and succeeded in rescuing five women and two babies.

“They were kidnapped in January 2024 from Marange village in Kagara local government area of Niger state.

“The victims, who endured months of captivity, were liberated following the relentless offensive operations carried out by the vigilant troops in the Kuyambana area.

“The successful rescue operation came as a result of the unwavering pressure exerted on the bandits by the troops, leading to the victims’ escape from the terrorists’ enclaves.

“The general officer commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, Maj. Gen. Godwin Matkut lauded the professionalism exhibited by the troops during the rescue operation.

“Matkut urged them to maintain the momentum until all nefarious elements are eradicated, ensuring the restoration of peace and normalcy in the region.”