Security forces in Katsina State have rescued 27 residents abducted by armed bandits during an attack on Gamji Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area, following a coordinated operation involving military troops, local hunters and the Community Watch Corps. The attack claimed the life of a 70 year old resident, Alhaji Saleh Kasim.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs disclosed this in a press release issued on Saturday, October 17 2026, stating that the victims, comprising mainly women, children and elderly persons were rescued on Friday, the same day they were abducted.
According to the statement signed by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr Nasir Mu’azu, the incident occurred in the early hours of October 16, when approximately 40 armed bandits reportedly led by a gang leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, invaded the community on 20 motorcycles.
During the attack, the assailants abducted 27 residents and rustled six cows. The attackers also shot dead Kasim aged 70, in an incident that further highlights the dangers confronting rural communities exposed to armed criminal activities.
The government explained that security forces launched a coordinated response after receiving credible intelligence about the attack. Troops of the 17 Brigade mobilised alongside local hunters and members of the Community Watch Corps to pursue the fleeing assailants and secure the release of the abducted residents.
As part of the operation, the joint security team blocked escape routes leading towards the Madaci forest enclave, seeking to prevent the bandits from moving the victims deeper into the forest and to create an opportunity for their safe recovery.
The operation reached a decisive point at about 6pm on Friday, when troops engaged the suspected bandits at Tashar Bawa forest and successfully rescued all 27 victims. The swift intervention prevented the abducted residents from remaining in captivity beyond the day of the attack.
Following their rescue, the victims were moved to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention and necessary care. Joint security teams have commenced clearance operations to track down suspected members of the criminal gang who may have escaped the encounter. The operations are also intended to prevent possible reprisal attacks and protect Gamji Village and neighbouring communities from further threats.
The government’s response involved collaboration between military personnel and community based security structures, underscoring the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated action in tackling attacks on vulnerable settlements.
Dr Mu’azu commended the troops of the 17 Brigade, local hunters and the Community Watch Corps for their prompt response, courage and cooperation, which contributed to the successful rescue of the abducted residents.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, to protecting lives and property across the state, stressing the administration’s determination to confront criminal activities and strengthen security operations in affected communities.
