BREAKING: Katsina Emirs Commend Security Forces as 18 Hostages Rescued

Traditional rulers in Katsina State have commended security agencies and community-based groups after troops foiled a mass abduction attempt in Bakori Local Government Area.

The operation, driven by intelligence from the DSS, saw security operatives block suspected bandits heading for Unguwan Hudu village in Kakumi Ward, forcing them to flee and abandon 18 captives. The victims 14 females and four males, including children were rescued. One victim, 14-year-old Zainab Ashiru, sustained a gunshot wound and was admitted to General Hospital, Bakori.

A traditional ruler said blood traces along the escape route suggested some of the fleeing bandits were wounded, although this was not independently confirmed. The operation came less than two weeks after security forces reportedly foiled another abduction attempt in Gidan Iyado, where the Katsina State Government said 18 bandits were killed.

The traditional rulers credited timely intelligence and cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities, while calling for sustained efforts to protect vulnerable farming settlements.