Troops of Fansan Yamma have rescued 41 travellers who were abducted after a commercial vehicle broke down along a major highway in Tsafe local council, Zamfara.

According to the Nigerian Army on Tuesday, the vehicle, travelling from Senegal to Kano, developed a mechanical fault along the highway. 

It said bandits took advantage of the situation to target the stranded vehicle and attempted to kidnap the passengers.

“Acting on the actionable intelligence, troops swiftly mobilised to the scene. Upon arrival, security forces engaged the armed group with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee into nearby farmlands,” said the army statement. “All 41 victims, comprising 24 males, 10 females, and seven children, were successfully rescued unharmed.”