By John Moses
Nigerian security forces have thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 individuals in Katsina State, following a coordinated operation in Danmusa Local Government Area, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, the successful rescue took place late on 8 June, around 10:30 p.m., during a routine patrol by a joint task force comprising the Police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), Community Watch Corps, and local vigilante groups.
The security team encountered a gang of armed kidnappers attempting to flee with hostages abducted from multiple locations across the state. A firefight ensued, forcing the bandits to retreat and abandon the victims.
“The superior tactics and firepower of our operatives led to the successful rescue of all 11 captives, including nine women and two men,” Aliyu stated.
The victims were identified as residents of Damawa village in Kankara, Bakam in Musawa, and Danmusa town. None of them sustained life-threatening injuries, according to police sources.
Commissioner of Police Bello Shehu praised the swift and coordinated response by the joint team and reiterated the command’s ongoing commitment to tackling criminality in the region. He called for greater community involvement in security efforts and urged citizens to report suspicious activity without delay.
Katsina State, located in northwestern Nigeria, has long grappled with armed banditry and abductions, particularly in remote areas. Authorities continue to rely on joint operations and local partnerships to improve safety across the region.
