Soldiers rescue kidnap victim after clash with bandits along Kano–Katsina border

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Faruruwa have rescued a kidnap victim following a security operation along the Kano–Katsina border.

Major Zubair Babatunde, spokesperson of the Nigerian Army’s 3 brigade in Kano, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement.

Babatunde said the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 1:00am on the movement of armed bandits from the Daurawa and Kira areas of Katsina state towards Kano.

He said troops deployed from the forward operating base (FOB) Yankwada immediately mobilised a fighting patrol to intercept the suspects along the Kano–Katsina border.

“On arrival at Ungwan Dogo/Ungwan Tudu, the troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle,” Babatunde said.

He said the bandits were overpowered and forced to flee in disarray towards Matazu local government area of Katsina state.

Babatunde said one kidnap victim, Rabiu Halilu, aged 38, was rescued during the encounter.

He said Halilu sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during captivity and was evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa medical centre for treatment.

The army spokesperson said three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits were recovered during the operation.

He added that troops also recovered an undisclosed number of cattle believed to have been rustled by the suspects.

Babatunde said troops remain on high alert and have intensified patrols to prevent further criminal activities and ensure sustained security along border communities.