Quick Summary:
Troops under Operation MESA rescue seven abducted persons after bandits attacked Yankamaye Cikin Gari village in Tsanyawa LGA, killing one woman and fleeing toward Katsina.
Army Confirms Rescue Operation
Troops of Operation MESA under the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued seven persons abducted during a bandit attack on Yankamaye Cikin Gari village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The operation was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on November 29, 2025, at about 11:00 p.m., when a large number of bandits on foot invaded the community, abducted 10 residents, and killed a 60-year-old woman.
Swift Military Response
Zubairu said that a joint team of soldiers and police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving a distress call from residents.
The troops pursued the bandits along their withdrawal route toward Rimaye, engaging them with intense gunfire.
“The troops engaged the attackers with a high volume of fire and successfully rescued seven of the abducted victims,” Zubairu stated.
He added that the bandits fled toward Kankia Local Government Area in Katsina State, and that efforts are ongoing to track their location.
Commendation and Call for Cooperation
The Commander of the 3 Brigade commended the troops for their bravery, swift response, and professionalism during the operation.
He urged residents to support ongoing security operations by providing credible and timely information to the military and other security agencies.
Related Incidents in Tsanyawa
The rescue follows a series of recent abductions in Tsanyawa Local Government Area.
Between Monday and Tuesday of the same week, criminals kidnapped 10 persons in Biresawa and Tsundu communities.
A relative of some victims, Kabiru Usman, told reporters that the gunmen struck around 10:00 p.m., abducting five people from Biresawa and five from Tsundu.
“They came on foot, armed with guns. They kidnapped my wife, Umma; my 17-year-old daughter, Fati; my brother’s wife, and two other women,” Usman said.
He explained that community members tried to resist but were overpowered by the heavily armed attackers.
Usman added that residents had alerted the police and military after receiving prior warnings that the bandits were heading toward their villages.
Kano State Police spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, confirmed that the command was verifying the report and would provide updates as investigations continue.
Ongoing Security Efforts
The Nigerian Army and Kano State Police Command have intensified joint patrols and intelligence operations across Tsanyawa and neighbouring areas to prevent further attacks.
Authorities continue to urge communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to ensure lasting peace and safety in the region.