Security Forces Foil Banditry, Kidnap Attempts in Katsina, Yobe, Rescue 11 Victims
Security forces have recorded fresh breakthroughs against banditry and kidnapping in Katsina State and Yobe State, rescuing 11 abducted victims, recovering rustled livestock, and arresting four suspected kidnappers in separate operations.
In Katsina, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, alongside joint security forces, successfully rescued 10 residents abducted by suspected armed bandits in Madakin Hurya village, Kankara Local Government Area, and recovered 30 rustled sheep.
Sources said the bandits stormed the village at about 11:00 p.m. on February 16, 2026, abducting several residents and making away with livestock. Troops, in coordination with police and Civil Watch (CWATCH) units, were swiftly deployed and intercepted the attackers on the outskirts of the community.
A sustained exchange of gunfire reportedly ensued, forcing the assailants to flee towards Gidan Jaki forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. All 10 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt. They include Nasiru Yau, 50; Salisu Umar, 45; Habiba Ibrahim, 13; and seven others. The 30 recovered sheep were subsequently returned to the community.
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Normalcy has since been restored in Madakin Hurya, while security operatives have intensified cordon-and-search operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a related development in Yobe State, security operatives rescued a 35-year-old resident of Nayi Nawa area, Damaturu, who was abducted on the same day at about 10:20 p.m.
The victim, Abdul’hamid Garba, was allegedly kidnapped by four suspects identified as Moh’d Usman, 32; Kabiru Ibrahim Umar, 42; Idriss Abdullahi Zakaria, 27; and Matthew Obata, 21, said to be staff of Transworld Private Security Guard, Kano.
The suspects reportedly hired a Prado jeep from a Kano-based company for N400,000, concealed its registration number ABJ 295 NB, and transported the victim while demanding a ransom of N10 million from his relatives.
Acting on credible intelligence from a good Samaritan, security operatives intercepted the suspects at A.U. Kaifayi Filling Station in Potiskum Local Government Area along the Potiskum–Kano road. The victim was rescued unhurt and taken to Yobe State Specialist Hospital for medical examination.
The four suspects have been taken into custody, and their statements, including confessions, have been recorded. Authorities said investigations are ongoing.
The twin operations underscore renewed efforts by security agencies to stem the tide of banditry and kidnapping across parts of northern Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
