Katsina State Government said on Saturday that security forces have foiled a mass kidnapping attempt at Gamji Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, 40 terrorists, on Friday morning, led by Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, riding on 20 motorcycles, invaded Gamji Village.
The statement said the terrorists abducted 27 residents, mostly women, children and the elderly, and rustled six cows.
A 70-year-old man, Alhaji Saleh Kasim, was shot dead during the attack, Mu’azu 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.
“Joint security teams have commenced clearance operations to flush out remnants of the criminal gang and prevent any reprisal attack on the community.”
The statement added that the government of Katsina State under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda remained resolute and decisive in securing every part of the state.
The government commended the troops and the community security structures for the swift response.
