Katsina Traditional Rulers Commend Security Forces for Foiling Mass Abduction Attempt

Katsina Traditional Rulers Commend Security Forces for Foiling Mass Abduction Attempt

Traditional rulers in Katsina State have commended the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and community-based security groups for foiling another attempted mass abduction in Bakori Local Government Area.

The traditional rulers praised the security agencies for their timely response and intelligence-led operation, which resulted in the rescue of 18 captives, including women and children, before suspected armed bandits could carry out the attack.

The incident occurred in Unguwan Hudu village, Kakumi Ward, after security operatives reportedly received intelligence on the movement of the suspected attackers and moved to intercept them.

A district head in Bakori said the continued collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities had contributed to preventing attacks on farming settlements in the area.

“We thank the Almighty Allah for the continued collaboration among the security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities. This has helped to stop criminal elements from attacking farming communities in our domain,” he said.

Another traditional ruler said the suspected attackers, allegedly led by a bandit identified as Rabiu, fled after security operatives intercepted their route, abandoning the 18 captives.

According to him, the rescued victims comprised 14 females and four males, including children and toddlers.

He added that blood traces found along the escape route suggested that some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot injuries, although the claim could not be independently confirmed.

One of the rescued victims, identified as 14-year-old Zainab Ashiru, reportedly sustained a gunshot wound and was receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Bakori.

The traditional rulers described the latest operation as evidence of the importance of timely intelligence and strong cooperation between formal security agencies, traditional institutions and community-based security groups.

The development came less than two weeks after security forces reportedly foiled another mass abduction attempt in Gidan Iyado, also in Kakumi Ward, where the Katsina State Government said 18 suspected bandits were killed during a joint operation involving the military, DSS and Community Watch Corps.

The traditional rulers expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among security agencies and local communities would strengthen efforts to protect farming settlements and disrupt criminal networks operating across Katsina State.

Katsina Traditional Rulers Commend Security Forces for Foiling Mass Abduction Attempt