The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner, Dr Nasir Mu’azu.
According to the ministry, about 40 armed bandits, led by a notorious gang leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, stormed the community in the early hours of Friday on 20 motorcycles. The attackers abducted 27 residents, mainly women, children and elderly people, and made away with six cows.
Following the attack, troops of the 17 Brigade, working alongside local hunters and members of the Community Watch Corps, launched a rescue operation based on credible intelligence. The security team reportedly blocked escape routes leading to the Madaci forest enclave in an effort to prevent the attackers from fleeing with their captives.
The operation culminated in a confrontation with the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest at about 6pm on Friday, during which all 27 abducted residents were successfully rescued.
The victims were subsequently taken to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention.
The ministry disclosed that joint security teams had begun further clearance operations to track down the remaining members of the gang and prevent possible reprisal attacks against the community.
The Katsina State Government also commended the troops and community based security personnel for their prompt response, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
