Nigerian military forces have successfully rescued 76 kidnapped people who were being held captive in a remote camp run by armed groups commonly referred to as “bandits.” The operation, carried out in northwestern Nigeria, marks one of the largest rescue missions in recent months.
The freed hostages included 42 women, 24 men, and 10 children, many of whom had been held for several weeks. Military officials reported that the victims were discovered during a planned operation targeting known criminal hideouts in forests near the border between Zamfara and Kaduna states.
“Our troops conducted a carefully coordinated operation based on intelligence reports,” said a military spokesperson. “We surrounded the camp in the early morning hours and were able to secure the area with minimal resistance from the kidnappers.”
According to preliminary reports, the bandits fled into the surrounding forest when soldiers approached. The military seized weapons, motorcycles, and communication equipment from the abandoned camp. The rescue team provided immediate medical attention to the freed captives, many of whom were suffering from malnutrition and various health issues.
One rescued victim described the ordeal: “We were kept in terrible conditions, with little food and water. Some days we thought we would not survive.”
Northwestern Nigeria has faced a growing crisis of armed groups who kidnap civilians for ransom, attack villages, and steal livestock. These groups operate from forest hideouts and have abducted thousands of people in recent years, including students from schools and travelers from highways.
The successful rescue operation comes as Nigeria’s government has intensified efforts to combat these criminal networks. Military forces have increased patrols and surveillance in affected regions.
The freed hostages have been transported to a secure facility where they will receive further medical care and psychological support before being reunited with their families.