A late-night rescue operation in Nigeria’s Katsina State has led to the liberation of 11 kidnapped victims, following a dramatic confrontation between security forces and armed bandits in the Danmusa region.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the operation on Monday, detailing how a combined security team — comprising personnel from the Police, Army, DSS, vigilantes, and community defence groups — interrupted the kidnappers’ movements on the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza road.
Spokesperson DSP Abubakar Aliyu said the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on 8 June, during a routine patrol mission. He described how the team encountered the kidnappers attempting to transport their captives, sparking an exchange of gunfire.
“Thanks to our joint force’s tactical superiority, the assailants were forced to flee, leaving all 11 abductees behind. Among those rescued were nine women and two men from three different communities,” Aliyu stated.
The victims hailed from Damawa (Kankara LGA), Bakam (Musawa LGA), and Danmusa town — areas frequently targeted by criminal gangs operating in the region.
Katsina State’s Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, lauded the operatives’ bravery and affirmed the state’s strengthened collaboration with federal and local agencies to clamp down on criminal networks.
“The fight against kidnapping and banditry requires a collective effort,” Shehu said. “We urge the public to continue supporting law enforcement by reporting suspicious movements and threats to the nearest police station.”
The rescue adds to a series of recent counter-kidnapping operations in northern Nigeria, where abductions for ransom have become increasingly prevalent, particularly in rural communities.
