Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 27 people abducted by suspected bandits in Gamji village, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, following a gun battle with the kidnappers in Tashar Bawa Forest.
However, the attack claimed the life of a 70-year-old man, Alhaji Saleh Kasim, while six cows were also reportedly stolen by the assailants.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, providing details of the incident and the subsequent rescue operation.
According to the statement, about 40 suspected bandits, led by a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, stormed Gamji village in the early hours of Friday, October 16, 2026.
The attackers reportedly arrived on approximately 20 motorcycles and launched an assault on the community, throwing residents into panic. During the attack, they abducted 27 people, rustled six cows and shot Alhaji Saleh Kasim, aged 70, dead.
Following the incident, security operatives received intelligence reports about the attack and the movement of the suspected bandits, prompting an immediate operation to rescue the abducted victims and prevent the assailants from escaping.
Nigerian Post gathered that troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, working in collaboration with local hunters and members of the Community Watch Corps, launched a coordinated pursuit of the bandits after receiving credible intelligence about their whereabouts.
The security operatives tracked the suspects and blocked possible escape routes, particularly around Madaci Forest, in an effort to prevent them from escaping with the abducted victims.
At about 6:00 p.m. on Friday, the security operatives engaged the bandits in a gun battle at Tashar Bawa Forest. The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all 27 abducted victims.
The rescue comes amid persistent security challenges facing communities in parts of Katsina State, where armed attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling have continued to threaten the lives and livelihoods of residents.
After their rescue, the 27 victims were taken to the military base in Machika for medical examinations and assessment of their condition following the ordeal.
Meanwhile, security operatives have launched a fresh operation to track down the remaining bandits and dislodge them from their hideouts. Efforts have also been intensified to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property in the affected communities.
Despite the successful rescue of the 27 victims, the killing of Alhaji Saleh Kasim and the theft of six cows remain among the reported consequences of the attack on Gamji village.
Security operatives are continuing efforts to restore peace and strengthen security in the area, while further details are expected to emerge as the ongoing operation progresses.
