KATSINA — Security forces have rescued 27 residents abducted by armed bandits during an attack on Gamji village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, although a 70-year-old man was killed during the incident.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement dated October 17, 2026.
Dr. Nasir Mu’azu
According to the statement, about 40 armed bandits led by a suspected gang leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir invaded the village in the early hours of October 16 on approximately 20 motorcycles.
The attackers abducted 27 residents, mostly women, children and elderly people, and rustled six cows. They also shot dead Alhaji Saleh Kasim, aged 70, during the attack.
Mu’azu said troops of the 17 Brigade, working with local hunters and the Community Watch Corps, responded after receiving credible intelligence and blocked escape routes leading to the Madaci forest enclave.
At about 6 p.m. on the same day, the troops engaged the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest and rescued all 27 abducted residents, according to the statement.
The rescued victims were taken to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention.
The commissioner added that joint security teams had commenced clearance operations to pursue other members of the gang and prevent possible reprisal attacks on the community.
He said the Katsina State Government remained committed to securing communities across the state and commended the troops and community-based security personnel for their response.
