A credible security source in the state confirmed the development to journalists on Wednesday in Sokoto, saying the operation was carried out on Tuesday after the troops received distress calls from residents of the affected community. According to the source, the bandits had invaded the village and were moving with the abducted victims and rustled animals before troops made contact with them. “Troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning the kidnapped victims and rustled livestock,” the source stated. In the aftermath of the encounter, troops combed the area and successfully freed the 14 victims who were in captivity. The source commended the swift response of the troops, saying it prevented further loss of lives and property in the agrarian community that has suffered repeated attacks in recent months.