Troops of Operation MESA, comprising personnel from the 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Police Force, on Friday night rescued seven kidnapped victims following a bandit attack in Yankamaye Cikin Gari, Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The security forces received a distress call at about 11:00 p.m. on 29 November 2025 and immediately launched a fighting patrol to the area. On arrival, the troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce exchange of fire.

According to the Army, the attackers had already killed a 60-year-old woman before the arrival of the troops. The combined team, however, succeeded in freeing seven victims from the captivity of the fleeing bandits.

Upon receiving further intelligence, the troops pursued the assailants along their withdrawal route towards Rimaye, continuing the engagement and rescuing more abducted persons in the process. Despite the successful operation, four victims remain unaccounted for, and search efforts are ongoing.

The bandits reportedly fled towards Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, with security forces currently working to track their movements and secure the remaining victims.

The Commander of 3 Brigade commended the troops for their swift response and gallantry during the operation. He urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would support ongoing counter-banditry operations.