A swift and coordinated response by security operatives in Katsina State has led to the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims, including nine women and two men, during a foiled abduction attempt along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza road in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out on Saturday night, June 8, was confirmed in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq. He described the development as a major success in the state’s intensified campaign against banditry and kidnapping.
According to the police, a joint task force comprising operatives from the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Operation Sharan Daji, Katsina Community Watch Corps, and local vigilantes encountered heavily armed bandits attempting to flee with hostages abducted from different locations.
A fierce gunfight ensued, forcing the bandits to abandon their captives and retreat into the bush under pressure from the security team’s superior firepower and tactical coordination.
All victims were rescued unharmed and are currently receiving medical and psychological support, the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, commended the bravery of the operatives involved and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to working with other security agencies to rid Katsina State of criminal elements.
“This courageous feat underscores the effectiveness of our collaborative strategy,” CP Shehu said. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly through our emergency hotlines or at the nearest police station.”
Investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the broader network behind the abduction attempt.
The rescue comes amid renewed security efforts across northern Nigeria, where criminal gangs, often operating in remote forested regions—have stepped up abductions for ransom. Katsina, President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, remains a hotspot in the fight against rural banditry.
