Nigeria’s military has rescued 76 people abducted by criminal gangs, commonly referred to as bandits, in Katsina State, though one child tragically lost his life during the operation.
The rescue mission was carried out on Saturday by air force personnel at Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, according to Nasir Mu’azu, the State Commissioner for Internal Security, who confirmed the development in a statement.
Related Posts
Mu’azu explained that the operation was launched following an air force strike targeting a notorious bandit kingpin and his gang suspected of carrying out last Tuesday’s attack on a mosque and nearby villages, which left at least 50 people dead.
“The operation successfully rescued 76 kidnapped people, including women and children. However, it was regrettably noted that one child tragically lost his life during the ordeal,” Mu’azu stated.
While authorities did not provide details of casualties among the bandits, the rescue has been described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb banditry in the region.
In recent years, mass kidnappings for ransom have become rampant in Nigeria’s northwest and central states. Armed groups frequently raid rural villages, looting properties and abducting residents. The gangs, motivated by financial gain, have turned cattle rustling, kidnappings, and illegal taxation of farmers into lucrative criminal ventures.
Security analysts note that while the militias have no clear ideological agenda, there are growing concerns about their alliances with jihadist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria.
The Katsina rescue operation highlights the scale of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity crisis, where communities in rural areas continue to face relentless attacks despite government and military interventions.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
