Nigeria, Dec. 1 -- Joint troops of the Nigerian Army, the police and the Air Force have rescued 19 people kidnapped in Borno and Katsina states.

The separate rescue operations took place on 29 November, according to press statements posted on the Nigerian Army's social media accounts.

Babatunde Zubairu, spokesperson for 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a statement, said the security forces rescued seven persons kidnapped from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Mr Zubairu, a captain, said the troops were on fighting patrol on 29 November, around 11 a.m., when they received a distressed call from the village.

"Upon receiving the information, the troops pursued the bandits along their withdrawal ...