By Richard Benjamin
Sokoto, Nigeria — Nigerian Army troops have rescued 17 kidnapped victims during a clearance operation against bandit groups in Sokoto State, as security forces intensify efforts to curb criminal activities across the North West.
The victims were rescued after troops conducting operations under Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Fansan Yamma engaged suspected bandits in their hideouts, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon their captives.
Military sources said the rescued victims were taken to a secure location where they received medical attention and psychological support before being prepared for reunification with their families.
The operation is part of a wider military campaign aimed at dismantling bandit networks, disrupting their logistics routes, and restoring security in communities affected by kidnapping and violent attacks.
In recent weeks, security agencies have reported several operations targeting criminal groups across the country, including arrests of suspected criminals, recovery of weapons, and disruption of activities linked to banditry and other forms of violence.
The North West region has remained one of Nigeria’s major security hotspots, with communities frequently affected by kidnappings, attacks, and displacement caused by armed groups.
Security analysts have said that while military operations have recorded successes, long term solutions require improved intelligence gathering, stronger cooperation between security agencies and communities, and measures that address the conditions allowing criminal groups to operate.
The Nigerian Army has urged citizens to continue providing useful information to security agencies while assuring that operations against bandits and other criminal elements will continue.
