Security forces recover six rustled cows, launch clearance operations against fleeing gunmen
A 70-year-old man, Alhaji Saleh Kashim, has been shot during a foiled mass kidnapping attempt by suspected bandits in Gamji village, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident occurred as security forces rescued 27 abducted residents, mostly women, children and elderly persons, and recovered six rustled cows following an operation against the armed gang.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Katsina on Saturday.
According to him, about 40 armed bandits, led by a suspected gang leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, invaded Gamji village in the early hours of October 16, 2026, riding on 20 motorcycles.
Danmusa said troops of the 17 Brigade, acting on credible intelligence and working alongside local hunters and the Community Watch Corps, moved swiftly to contain the attackers.
The security operatives reportedly blocked escape routes leading to the Madaci forest enclave in an effort to prevent the gunmen from escaping with their victims.
He said the operation culminated in a confrontation with the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest, where all 27 abducted residents were successfully rescued.
“At about 1800hrs of the same day, troops engaged the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest and successfully rescued all 27 kidnapped victims. The victims have been moved to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention,” the commissioner stated.
He added that joint security teams had commenced clearance operations to track down fleeing members of the criminal gang, flush out their remnants and prevent possible reprisal attacks on the community.
The commissioner said the Katsina State Government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, remained committed to securing communities across the state.
He also commended the troops and community-based security groups for their swift response, which led to the rescue of the abducted residents.
The government urged continued cooperation among security agencies and local communities as operations to tackle banditry and other criminal activities continue.
