By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Security forces have rescued 27 kidnapped residents following a bandit attack on Gamji Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, during which a 70-year-old man was killed and six cows rustled.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs disclosed this in a press release dated October 17, 2026, stating that the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, October 16.
According to the statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, about 40 armed bandits, reportedly led by Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, invaded the village on approximately 20 motorcycles.
The attackers abducted 27 residents, mostly women, children and elderly persons, and rustled six cows. During the attack, a 70-year-old resident, identified as Alhaji Saleh Kasim, was shot dead.
However, following credible intelligence, troops of the 17 Brigade, working alongside local hunters and the Community Watch Corps, swiftly mobilised to intercept the fleeing attackers.
The joint security team reportedly blocked escape routes leading to the Madaci forest enclave, preventing the bandits from escaping with their captives.
At about 6:00 p.m. on the same day, the troops engaged the armed group at Tashar Bawa forest, successfully rescuing all 27 abducted residents.
The rescued victims were subsequently moved to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention.
The ministry added that joint security teams had commenced clearance operations to track down the remaining members of the criminal gang and prevent possible reprisal attacks on the affected community.
The Katsina State Government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The government also commended the troops, local hunters and members of the Community Watch Corps for their swift response, which led to the successful rescue of all 27 victims.
Despite the successful operation, the killing of Alhaji Saleh Kasim underscores the continuing security challenges facing some communities in the state.
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