Police say security operatives rescued 39 kidnap victims in Zamfara on Sunday and arrested 10 suspects, including the outlawed Yankasai members.

Police commissioner Eyuba Elkanah announced this on Monday in Gusau, stating that the operatives rescued the victims abducted in March and early April at various villages and locations in Bungudu and Maru local government areas.

“The rescued victims are eight male, 15 female including nursing mothers, and 16 children. The victims have been treated by the joint police and state government medical teams and debriefed by detectives,” said the police chief.

He added, “They will be handed over to officials of the two local government areas to reunite them with their families.”

Mr Elkanah also mentioned that police seized locally-fabricated guns, one stolen Honda vehicle 2012 model and four motorcycles from the bandits.

“There is (an) ongoing clearance operation by the joint police and military task force at Dabar Magaji camp located at Kadanya forest between Kaura Namoda and Maradun local government Areas,’’ the police commissioner said.

Receiving the victims, the Emir of Bungudu, Hassan Attahiru, commended the police for their hard work.

“We are very grateful to the police for their sacrifice and hard work. I commend Governor Bello Matawalle for supporting the police to discharge their responsibilities,” said Mr Attahiru. “I call on governments at all levels and other stakeholders to continue to give the police necessary support.”

In separate remarks, Bungudu and Maru local councils chairmen Sadiq Maiturare and Salisu Dangulbi commended the police for rescuing the victims.

(NAN)