Troops of Operation MESA, comprising personnel from the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued seven kidnapped victims in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The rescue operation took place on 29 November 2025 at about 11:00 p.m., after troops received a distress call from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village reporting bandit attacks.
According to military authorities, the responding troops engaged the bandits shortly after arriving at the scene and successfully freed seven victims. However, the bandits had already killed a 60-year-old woman before security forces arrived.
Troops Pursue Fleeing Bandits
Upon receiving more information, troops pursued the bandits along their withdrawal route toward Rimaye, exchanging heavy gunfire and managing to secure the release of additional victims.
Despite the success, four kidnapped persons remain unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing.
The bandits were said to have fled toward Kankia Local Government Area in neighbouring Katsina State, where security forces are continuing operations to track their location.
Commander Commends Troops
The Commander, 3 Brigade, commended the troops for their bravery, swift response, and commitment to protecting civilian lives. He urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-banditry operations.
