KATSINA – The Commander, 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, disclosed that troops of the Brigade rescued six kidnap victims, including four women and two children, during a routine patrol in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, reiterating the military’s resolve to continue operations against armed bandits throughout the state.
The victims, who were held captive for almost seven days, were liberated on June 29 after they escaped from their abductors and trekked through a jungle where soldiers on patrol rescued them at Unguwan Doka, the Army said.
Preliminary investigations showed that the victims were kidnapped on June 22 when Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area was raided by armed bandits. Unguwan Lado is among the areas that have been repeatedly assaulted by bandits in recent years.
The rescued victims were named as Umaima Isiaku, 30, Amina Isiaku, 16, Safiya Isiaku, 15, Ramatu Suleiman, 30, Muhammad Shehu, 4 and Ibrahim Suleiman, 2.
Military authorities claimed the troops promptly gave first aid, food and other emergency support before reconciling the victims with their relatives.
Brigadier General Ibrahim said the successful rescue underlined the Brigade’s commitment to maintain constant pressure on the criminal gangs that operated in its area of responsibility.
“The Brigade will continue to conduct aggressive operations against criminal elements, while ensuring the safety and security of lives and property through out our area of responsibility,” he stated.
The Army said the rescue was carried out during a routine foot patrol, which is meant to limit criminal groups freedom of movement and enhance security around vulnerable populations.
The operation is part of sustained military operations to checkmate abduction, armed banditry and other violent crimes across Katsina State and the North-West.
“Security operations have been intensified in the recent months with the military carrying out offensive patrols, clearing out criminal hideouts and acting on intelligence on bandit activities in the affected local government areas.
Armed groups continue to target rural populations and travellers, and despite the successful rescue operations documented by security authorities, abduction for ransom remains one of the most severe security concerns in the region.
Sustained patrols, increased intelligence gathering and tighter coordination with local populations are at the core of continuing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security across Katsina State, military authorities said.
About the Author
