Security operatives in Katsina State have rescued five kidnapped victims following a fierce gun duel with suspected armed bandits in Sabon Garin Safana, located in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.
According to a post made by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Monday, the rescue operation followed an early morning raid by the bandits on Sunday, during which seven individuals, including two children, were abducted.
“At approximately 2:15 AM, the gunmen stormed the community and kidnapped the victims while residents were still asleep,” Makama wrote.
Security forces quickly mobilized to the area upon receiving a distress call.
“Security personnel engaged the armed bandits in a fierce gun battle and were able to rescue five victims,” the post by Makama revealed.
The rescued individuals were identified as Abdullahi Usman (40), Asma’u Abdullahi (20), Safiya Abdullahi (1), Sumayya Yahuza (20), and Fatima Yahuza (1). All were found unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
Tragically, one of the kidnapped victims, Ibrahim Sale (30), was shot and killed by the bandits during the exchange of fire.
Efforts are still ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining two victims who are believed to be in captivity.
