By Ajewole Joshua ABNews November 30, 2025
Gallant troops of Operation MESA, drawn from the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade and working in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Police, have successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims following a distress call in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Statements obtained by ABNews revealed that the incident occurred on Friday, November 29, 2025, at about 11:00 p.m., when troops on a routine fighting patrol received an urgent alert from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village over an ongoing bandit attack. The troops responded swiftly and made contact with the armed criminals, leading to a confrontation that forced the assailants to abandon some of their captives and flee.
Tragically, it was confirmed that a 60-year-old woman was killed by the bandits before the arrival of the security operatives.
Following the initial engagement, the troops pursued the fleeing criminals along their withdrawal route towards Rimaye, engaging them with heavy counter-fire. In the process, seven abducted persons were rescued alive. However, four of the kidnapped victims have not yet been accounted for, and search operations are ongoing.
According to the statement, the fleeing bandits are believed to have moved in the direction of Kankia Local Government Area in neighbouring Katsina State. Security forces have intensified efforts to track and intercept the group.
The Commander of 3 Brigade commended the troops for their courage, professionalism, and swift response to the distress call. He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that can aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
The statement was signed by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on November 30, 2025.
