Troops rescue kidnapped man after gun battle along Kano–Katsina border

Troops attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) Faruruwa have successfully rescued a kidnapped man following a gun battle with suspected bandits along the Kano–Katsina border in the early hours of Sunday.

The rescue operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, forced the armed bandits to flee and abandon their captive.

Confirming the development in Kano, the Nigerian Army Public Relations Officer of the 3 Brigade, Maj. Zubair Babatunde, said the operation was carried out based on actionable intelligence and swift response by the troops.

He explained that the operation was launched after security forces received credible intelligence around 1:00 a.m. indicating the movement of suspected bandits from Daurawa and Kira areas of Katsina State towards parts of Kano.

According to him, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Yankwada immediately deployed a fighting patrol to strategic locations along the Kano/Katsina border in an effort to intercept the suspects.

“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,” he said.

Maj. Babatunde stated that during the encounter, the troops rescued a kidnap victim identified as Rabiu Halilu, aged 38.

According to him, Halilu sustained a gunshot wound on his leg while in captivity and was immediately evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa Medical Centre, where he is currently receiving treatment.

He further disclosed that the troops recovered three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits, along with an undisclosed number of cattle suspected to have been rustled.

He added that security forces have sustained heightened alertness in the area, with patrols intensified to deter further criminal activities and ensure lasting security for border communities.