Security forces have foiled a mass kidnapping attempt in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State and rescued 27 abducted residents.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs disclosed this in a press statement issued on Saturday by its Commissioner, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu.
According to the statement, about 40 armed bandits led by Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, riding on 20 motorcycles, invaded Gamji Village in the early hours of October 16, 2026.
The bandits abducted 27 residents, mostly women, children and the elderly, and rustled six cows. One 70-year-old man, Alhaji Saleh Kasim, was shot dead during the attack.
The Ministry said following credible intelligence, troops of the 17 Brigade, in collaboration with local hunters and the Community Watch Corps, immediately blocked all escape routes to the Madaci forest enclave.
“At about 1800hrs of the same day, troops engaged the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest and successfully rescued all 27 kidnapped victims. The victims have been moved to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention,” the statement said.
It added that joint security teams have commenced clearance operations to flush out remnants of the criminal gang and prevent any reprisal attack on the community.
The Katsina State Government under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reaffirmed its resolve to secure every part of the state, while commending the gallant troops and community security structures for the swift response.