Traditional rulers in Katsina State have commended the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and community-based security groups for foiling another mass abduction attempt in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
The traditional rulers praised the security agencies for their timely response and intelligence-led operation, which led to the rescue of 18 captives, including women and children, before suspected armed bandits could carry out the attack.
The incident occurred in Unguwan Hudu village, Kakumi Ward, after security operatives reportedly received intelligence on the movement of the suspected attackers and moved to block their route.
One of the district heads in Bakori said the continued collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities had helped prevent attacks on farming settlements in the area.
“We thank the Almighty Allah for the continued collaboration among the security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities. This has helped to stop criminal elements from attacking farming communities in our domain,” he said.
Another traditional ruler said the suspected attackers, allegedly led by a bandit identified as Rabiu, were forced to flee after security operatives intercepted their route.
He said the fleeing suspects abandoned 18 captives, comprising 14 females and four males, including children and toddlers.
The traditional ruler also disclosed that blood traces found along the escape route suggested that some of the fleeing bandits may have sustained gunshot injuries, although this could not be independently confirmed.
He added that one of the rescued victims, 14-year-old Zainab Ashiru, sustained a gunshot wound and was receiving treatment at General Hospital, Bakori.
The traditional rulers said the latest success demonstrated the importance of timely intelligence and strong cooperation between formal security agencies and community-based security groups.
The commendation came less than two weeks after security forces reportedly foiled another mass abduction attempt in Gidan Iyado, also in Kakumi Ward, where the Katsina State Government said 18 bandits were killed during a joint operation involving the military, DSS and Community Watch Corps.
The traditional rulers expressed optimism that sustained collaboration would further strengthen efforts to protect farming communities and disrupt criminal networks operating across Katsina State.
