Six victims abducted by bandits in Katsina State have regained their freedom after troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, rescued them during a routine patrol in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, comprising four women and two young boys, were intercepted by troops deployed at Unguwan Doka on Monday, June 29, 2026, while wandering through the bush after escaping from their captors.

According to a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the rescued victims were identified as Mrs Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 16; Safiya Isiaku, 15; Ramatu Suleiman, 30; Muhammad Shehu, 4; and Ibrahim Suleiman, 2.

The army disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the victims had been abducted by armed bandits from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area on June 22, 2026.

The statement said the victims managed to escape from their abductors before they were found by soldiers during a routine foot patrol.

“Troops deployed at Unguwan Doka, while on a routine foot patrol, intercepted six kidnapped victims comprising four women and two male children wandering in the bush after escaping from their abductors,” the statement read.

The army added that immediately after the rescue, the victims received first aid, food and other essential support before they were reunited with their families.

The statement further noted, “Following their rescue, the troops administered first aid and provided food and other immediate necessities before reuniting them with their families.”

Reacting to the development, the Commander, 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, reaffirmed the army’s determination to sustain ongoing operations against criminal elements operating within the state.

He said, “The Brigade remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements while ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across its Area of Responsibility.”

The rescue is part of ongoing military operations aimed at tackling banditry and other security threats across Katsina State and the North-West region. (The PUNCH)