Troops of the Joint Task Force Faruruwa have rescued an abducted person following a successful security operation along the Kano–Katsina border in the early hours of Sunday.
Rabiu Halilu, 38, was rescued and treated by the troops.The army told The Nation that Halilu sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during captivity and was promptly evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa Medical Centre, where he was treated.
During the operation, the troops also recovered three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits and a number of cattle believed to have been rustled by the bandits.
Some of the motorcycles recovered were stained with blood, the army said.
Soldiers operating around Yankwada, acting on a credible tip-off about the movement of armed bandits from Daurawa, Kira, Katsina State, advancing towards the Kano axis were engaged in a fierce gunfight.
Spokesman for 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Kano, Maj. Zubair Babatunde, said the troops got knowledge of the bandits’ movement at about 1:00 am, Saturday night.
“Then the troops operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Yankwada swiftly mobilised a fighting patrol to the fringes of the Kano–Katsina border to intercept the suspected bandits.
“On arrival at Ungwan Dogo/Ungwan Tudu, the troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“The bandits were overpowered and forced to withdraw in disarray towards Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“During the encounter, one kidnap victim, identified as 38-year-old Rabiu Alhaji Halilu, was rescued by the troops.“The troops remain on high alert, intensifying patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities and ensure sustained security in border communities,” Babatunde said.