Traditional rulers in Katsina State have expressed gratitude to the Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups for foiling a mass abduction attempt by armed bandits in Bakori Local Government Area. The district head of a major town in Bakori LGA thanked the security agencies and local vigilante for their efforts. He attributed the success to the continued collaboration amongst security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities.
This recent operation is not an isolated incident. The state government had previously hailed security agencies for foiling a mass abduction in Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward of the same LGA. On that occasion, a combined security team of the military, DSS, and community watch corps killed 18 bandits. The recent attempt was thwarted following intelligence received by the DSS, which prompted security operatives to block the route of the bandits.
According to a district head, armed bandits allegedly led by one Rabiu and operating from a camp in Mununu Forest, Faskari LGA of Katsina State, attempted to abduct residents of Unguwan Hudu village in Kakumi Ward, Bakori LGA. The bandits abandoned 18 kidnap victims, comprising 14 females and four males, including children and toddlers, when they aborted their mission.
The rescued victims included a 14-year-old girl, Zainab Ashiru, who sustained a gunshot injury and was admitted to the General Hospital, Bakori. It is believed that at least seven of the fleeing bandits sustained gunshot injuries, based on the trail of blood along their fleeing path. The traditional rulers are pleased with the string of successful operations, which they believe is turning the tide against the criminals.
The successful operations demonstrate growing collaboration between security agencies and community-based security groups to disrupt the activities of criminal elements operating across communities in Katsina State. The traditional rulers appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and local vigilante groups in preventing the mass abduction.
The state government and traditional rulers have been working together to address the issue of banditry in Katsina State. The recent operations have resulted in the rescue of kidnap victims and the neutralization of bandits. The collaboration between security agencies and local communities has been key to the success of these operations.
The Katsina State government will likely continue to work with security agencies and traditional rulers to prevent further attacks by bandits. The people of Katsina State appreciate the efforts of the security agencies and local vigilante groups in keeping them safe.
Key points
- The Katsina State traditional rulers commended the Military, DSS, and local vigilante groups for foiling a mass abduction attempt by armed bandits in Bakori Local Government Area.
- The successful operation resulted in the rescue of 18 kidnap victims, comprising 14 females and four males, including children and toddlers.
- The collaboration between security agencies and community-based security groups has been key to disrupting the activities of criminal elements operating across communities in Katsina State.
