Six individuals who had been held by kidnappers for several months have regained their freedom in Zamfara State after escaping captivity amid intensified military operations targeting criminal groups in the area.
According to a military operational report released on Monday, the victims were found by troops of the 1 Brigade Combat Team 6 stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gwashi, Bukuyyum Local Government Area.
The report stated that the victims were intercepted on Friday along the Gwashi–Bukuyyum road shortly after fleeing from their abductors.
Military sources indicated that their escape followed an airstrike operation carried out by the Nigerian Air Force in areas west of the Bagega Forest, which reportedly disrupted the activities of the kidnappers.
The rescued individuals were identified as Muhammad Sani from Masama, Junaidu Muhammad from Gandun Malam, Abubakar Abdullahi and Abubakar Barau from Maibaka, as well as Surajo Abubakar of Dogon Daji and Nasiru Hakilu from Adabka village. All are residents of Bukuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The report noted that the victims had endured months in captivity before managing to escape and reach safety.
Authorities said arrangements were being made to reunite them with their families while ensuring they receive the necessary care and assistance following their ordeal.
The latest rescue follows ongoing security offensives against armed groups operating in forested hideouts and vulnerable communities across the North-West region, as troops continue efforts to restore peace and improve security in affected areas.