Troops Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts, Rescue 14 Abducted Victims in Katsina
Security operatives in Katsina State have recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping after rescuing fourteen victims in a series of coordinated operations across three local government areas on Monday.
The operations, carried out under Operation FANSAN YANMA, brought together the Nigerian Army, Police, local vigilante groups (C-Watch), and community hunters in a show of strengthened collaboration against armed criminality in the state.
The first incident occurred along the notorious Funtua–Gusau highway in Faskari LGA, where gunmen had barricaded the road near Tudun Malamai village in an attempt to abduct passengers traveling in a Toyota Corolla from Zaria.
Responding swiftly to a distress call, troops engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee into the bush. The victims—Abubakar Hamisu (36), Ashiru Saidu (35), Kabir Sulaiman (30), and Bishir Ibrahim (34)—were rescued unharmed and taken to safety.
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In a separate operation in Gidan Maga village, Malumfashi LGA, armed men stormed the community in a bid to kidnap residents. However, the joint task force blocked all escape routes and overpowered the attackers in a sustained exchange of fire.
“The superior firepower of the security forces compelled the kidnappers to abandon six children and escape into Naalma Forest,” a security source disclosed.
The rescued children—Abdulhakim Rilwanu (12), Zinatu Mansir (10), Ado Sani (9), Sani Umar (10), Yusuf Umar (10), and Jamilu Nasiru (11)—were recovered unharmed and are being reunited with their families.
A third successful intervention was recorded in Malali village, Kankara LGA, where a patrol team intercepted suspected bandits holding four hostages. After a brief exchange of gunfire, the criminals fled, leaving their captives behind.
Those rescued include Hajiya Rabi Musa (45), Fatima Abdullahi (18), Shamsu Nuhu (19), and Saminu Isah (16). They were immediately taken to the General Hospital in Kankara for medical evaluation before reuniting with their loved ones.
Meanwhile, aggressive patrols, cordon-and-search operations, and forest combing are ongoing in the affected areas to track down the fleeing assailants and restore safety to surrounding communities.
By PRNigeria
