Troops of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued six victims abducted by bandits in Katsina State after they escaped from their captors and were found during a routine patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.
The victims, comprising four women and two young boys, were intercepted by soldiers deployed at Unguwan Doka on Monday, June 29, 2026, while wandering through the bush after fleeing captivity.
In a statement issued 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.
According to the Nigerian Army, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted by armed bandits from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area on June 22, 2026.
The statement explained that the victims successfully escaped from their abductors before being discovered by troops conducting a routine foot patrol.
According to the Army, “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.”
Following the rescue, the soldiers immediately provided first aid, food, and other essential assistance before reuniting the victims with their families.
The statement added, “Following their rescue, the troops administered first aid, provided food and other immediate necessities before reuniting them with their families.”
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to intensifying operations against criminal groups operating in the state.
According to him, “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 forms part of ongoing military operations aimed at combating banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.
Security forces have continued to intensify patrols and offensive operations in the area as part of broader efforts to dismantle bandit networks and improve the safety of communities affected by persistent attacks.
