Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued two kidnapped victims and launched a manhunt for suspected bandits following an attack along the Gadar Iya axis on the Katsina–Kaduna border.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on May 1 when heavily armed bandits blocked the road and abducted occupants of two vehicles—a Mitsubishi Canter truck and a Toyota Corolla.
According to the sources, about five unidentified occupants were taken from the truck, while six passengers in the Toyota Corolla were identified as Isiya Abubakar, Sufiyanu Gide, Rabi Isiyaku, Harira Isiyaku, Jamila, and Maliki Muhammad.
Troops reportedly mobilised swiftly to the scene, secured the area, and commenced clearance operations. During the intervention, two victims—Muhammad Sani, 60, from Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and Khadija Isiyaku, 25, from Keffi in Nasarawa State—were successfully rescued.
The sources added that the affected vehicles were evacuated to a secure location, while ongoing cordon-and-search operations are aimed at rescuing the remaining abducted victims and apprehending the fleeing suspects. Security presence has also been intensified along the axis.
In a separate operation in Sokoto State, troops foiled an attempted attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits and recovered 27 rustled animals in Silame Local Government Area.
The sources said the attack occurred around 8:00 p.m. on the same day when armed bandits invaded Gumki and Zeringo-Gande villages, firing sporadically and rustling livestock.
Troops responded promptly to distress calls, blocked routes leading to the bandits’ enclave in the Zamori forest, and engaged the attackers in a gun duel. The bandits were overpowered and forced to retreat toward the Niger Republic border.
All 27 rustled animals were recovered and are to be returned to their owners. No casualties were recorded among security personnel during the operation.
Security has since been reinforced in the affected communities, with continuous patrols ongoing to prevent further attacks.
