Troops of Operation MESA, comprising personnel from the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Police, have reportedly rescued three of the five residents abducted from Lakwaya village in Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State.
The successful rescue follows a fresh attack on the community by unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits, Daily Trust reported.
In a statement to Daily Trust, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, confirmed the development.
“Three persons have so far been rescued,” Captain Zubairu said.
The incident, according to local sources, occurred on Sunday night in Zurin Mahauta village, throwing residents into fear and tension.
The village head of Zurin Mahauta, Murtala Mai Unguwa, told reporters the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness and whisked away five victims to an unknown destination.
“Security operatives were immediately alerted and they responded promptly,” he said, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down the abductors and secure the release of the remaining victims.
Following the attack and rescue operation, residents expressed deep concern over recurrent banditry in the area, appealing for a sustained security presence to protect lives and property.
Earlier, Captain Zubairu had assured the public that the troops were doing their best to ensure the abducted residents were returned safely.