Police Foil Bandit Attack in Katsina, Rescue 15 Hostages in Zamfara
Security operatives in north-west Nigeria have recorded major breakthroughs in ongoing efforts to combat banditry, with the police in Katsina State foiling a planned attack, while their counterparts in Zamfara State rescued 15 abducted victims.
In Katsina, the State Police Command said it had intensified security deployment in Maidabino Village, Danmusa Local Government Area, following credible intelligence of an imminent bandit attack.
Sources disclosed that the suspected attackers, believed to be loyal to notorious bandit leader Ado Aliero, were hibernating in locations spanning Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and Yarmalamai area in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence on March 23, 2026, the command convened an emergency security meeting involving Assistant Commissioners of Police, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical team commanders to coordinate a response.
Read Also:
The police subsequently ordered heightened intelligence gathering, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and proactive deployment of personnel to prevent any surprise assault.
Reinforcements were drawn from neighbouring divisions, including Dutsinma, Safana, Kurfi, and Matazu, while five Armoured Personnel Carriers were deployed to fortify security around Danmusa axis. Authorities said the situation remains under close surveillance, assuring residents of sustained protection.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Zamfara State, police operatives successfully rescued 15 victims of abduction in Bungudu Local Government Area during a routine patrol operation.
The victims, who were reportedly kidnapped in December 2025, were intercepted and freed at about 3:30 p.m. before being taken to Nahuche Primary Health Care Centre for medical attention.
However, the rescue operation revealed the grim reality of captivity, as seven of the abducted persons were reported to have died while in the custody of their captors. Three others remain missing, with ongoing efforts to secure their release.
The Zamfara State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling abduction and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
By PRNigeria
