Six Kidnapped Victims Freed by Soldiers in Katsina

Six people who were kidnapped by bandits in Katsina State are now free. This happened after troops from the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army rescued them during a routine patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.

The victims included four women and two young boys. They were found by the troops at Unguwan Doka on Monday, June 29, 2026. The victims were wandering through the bush after escaping from their captors.

Captain Abayomi Adisa, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 17 Brigade, shared the news with reporters on Tuesday. The rescued victims are Mrs Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 16; Safiya Isiaku, 15; Ramatu Suleiman, 30; Muhammad Shehu, 4; and Ibrahim Suleiman, 2.

The army reported that the victims were kidnapped from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area on June 22, 2026. Preliminary investigations showed they managed to escape from their captors before soldiers found them during a routine foot patrol.

The statement from the army said, "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."

After the rescue, the victims received first aid, food, and other necessary support. They were later reunited with their families. The statement added, "Following their rescue, the troops administered first aid and provided food and other immediate necessities before reuniting them with their families."

Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, the Commander of the 17 Brigade, reacted to the rescue. He assured the public of the army's commitment to fighting crime in the state. He said, "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."

This rescue is part of ongoing military efforts to fight banditry and improve security across Katsina State and the North-West region.