Troops rescue six kidnap victims in Katsina 

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnapped victims after they escaped from their abductors in Katsina state.

The victims, comprising four women and two children, were discovered by soldiers during a routine patrol around Unguwan Doka in Faskari Local Government Area after trekking through the forest following their escape from captivity.

Military authorities said preliminary findings showed the victims were abducted on June 22 from Unguwan Lado community in neighbouring Kankara Local Government Area before managing to flee their captors several days later.

The rescued victims were identified as Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 16; Safiya Isiaku, 15; Ramatu Suleiman, 30; Muhammad Shehu, 4; and Ibrahim Suleiman, 2.

A statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Capt. Abayomi Adisa, said the victims were located during a routine foot patrol by troops deployed in the area.

According to the Army, the soldiers immediately provided first aid, food and other emergency assistance before reuniting the victims with their families.

Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim, the commander of the 17 Brigade, said the rescue underscores the military’s determination to protect communities and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating across Katsina State.

He reaffirmed that troops would continue offensive operations aimed at dismantling bandit networks and improving security within the brigade’s area of responsibility.