The Kaduna state government says troops rescued three abducted persons during a patrol around Ungwan Namama, along the Zaria-Kano road.

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, announced the development in a statement on Thursday.

He identified the victims as Abdullahi Lawal, Sadiya Salimanu and Fatima Salimanu, Sadiya’s 10-month-old daughter.

Aruwan said the victims were abducted in a neighbouring state, adding that they have been reunited with their families.

“According to the feedback, the troops came in contact with migrating bandits in the area and engaged them, forcing them to abandon their three captives as they hastily escaped.

“Investigations revealed that the captives were kidnapped in a neighbouring state.

“The Kaduna State Government thanked the troops for their valiant action in rescuing the kidnapped victims.

“The rescued persons have been reunited with their families, while the recovered animals were handed over to local authorities for proper identification and retrieval.”

The development comes hours after troops of operation Forest Sanity rescued six kidnap victims in the state.

The victims were rescued during the early hours of Tuesday when troops raided Kuriga and Manini communities of Chikun LGA of the state.