Armed bandits launched a midnight raid on Unguwar Sabuwar Abuja, a settlement on the outskirts of Faskari town in Katsina State, abducting a couple in the early hours of Monday.
According to Zagazola Makama a counterterrorism analyst on the Lake Chad, the attack occurred around 1:45 a.m., drawing a swift response from Nigerian troops.
The security forces engaged the assailants in a heavy gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush.
Despite the military’s intervention, the attackers managed to seize Yusuf Ibrahim and his wife, Na’ima Yusuf, before fleeing.
He noted that security operatives reportedly neutralized several of the bandits and captured others alive. Meanwhile, 35 victims previously held by the criminals managed to escape from captivity amid the chaos.
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In a separate incident, the Katsina State Police Command foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Dandume-Funtua Road, rescuing seven victims unhurt.
Makama confirmed that the incident unfolded on March 24 at around 8:30 p.m. when bandits attempted to stop a Canter truck carrying grain from Jabiri Funtua Market at Niyasu Junction, Nasarawa Village.
“The driver, refusing to halt, sped off, prompting the gunmen to open fire. The attack caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into a pit.
“Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Dandume swiftly mobilized operatives of Operation Sharan Daji, who engaged the bandits in a gun duel.
“Outgunned, the criminals fled into the bush with gunshot wounds, abandoning their kidnapping plan”, Makama stated.
Makama noted that all seven truck occupants were rescued and have since been reunited with their families.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing attackers and ensure the safety of residents in the region”, he added.
