Troops repel bandit attacks in Katsina, rescue hostages

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Troops repel bandit attacks in Katsina, rescue hostages

Prompt action by joint forces under Operation FANSAN YANMA on April 17 successfully averted coordinated bandit attacks in Faskari and Kurfi Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

The operations led to the safe rescue of five hostages and the retrieval of six stolen cattle.

According to intelligence sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the first incident occurred in Faskari LGA around 8:10 p.m., where armed bandits mounted a roadblock along Marabar Bangori Road near Yankara Village.

They ambushed a commercial vehicle but were swiftly engaged by troops in a gun duel.

The confrontation forced the assailants to flee, leaving behind two abducted passengers – 40-year-old Mahammadu Makiyu and 27-year-old Audu Dawa, both from Faskari town – who were rescued unhurt. Security patrols in the area have since been reinforced.

Earlier that same day, at around 2:00 a.m., suspected bandits stormed Wanzamai Village in the Sabongari area of Kurfi LGA.

Troops intercepted the attackers as they attempted to escape, sparking a firefight.

Three kidnapped individuals – Zainab Hassan, 25; her two-year-old daughter Aisha Abubakar; and 20-year-old Dahara Abubakar – were rescued during the encounter. Six rustled cattle were also recovered.