Three people kidnapped by armed criminals have regained their freedom after a successful rescue operation carried out by Nigerian Army troops in Kebbi State.
The rescue mission took place in Sakaba Local Government Area during a security clearance exercise aimed at flushing out criminal elements operating in the region.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post shared on his X account.
According to security sources, the operation was conducted around midday on May 30 by troops of CSI Battalion III working alongside local vigilante groups and forest rangers.
The joint security team was reportedly on routine patrol around the Kharisin hunting forest when suspected terrorists spotted the advancing forces and quickly fled the area to avoid confrontation.
In their haste to escape, the criminals allegedly abandoned three kidnapped victims who were being held captive.
The victims were immediately rescued by the security team and taken to a safe location, where they received medical attention and were profiled by authorities.
Following the operation, troops intensified patrols and launched further search missions across nearby forests and communities in an effort to track down the fleeing suspects.
Security officials said the rescue forms part of ongoing military operations designed to dismantle criminal camps, curb kidnapping activities, and strengthen security across Kebbi State and surrounding border areas.
Authorities also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful and timely information that could assist in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing future attacks.
The latest success is seen as another boost in efforts to improve safety and restore confidence among communities affected by banditry and kidnapping in the region.