Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in search and rescue operation, rescued six kidnapped victims from the captivity of armed bandits in Katsina State. The operation took place during a routine foot patrol in Unguwan Doka, Faskari Local Government Area. While moving through the bush, the soldiers intercepted six escapees, who were disoriented and moving on their own, after fleeing captivity.

The victims include four women and two children, identified as Mrs. Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 16; Safiya Isiaku, 15; Ramatu Suleiman, 30; Muhammad Shehu, 4; and Ibrahim Suleiman, 2.

Army investigations showed they were taken by bandits from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area a week earlier, on 22 June 2026. The victims struggled to break free and were making their way through the forest when troops found them.

Immediately after the rescue, the soldiers provided urgent care. The victims received first aid, food, water, and other basic necessities to stabilize them, after days in the bush. Once they were in a stable condition, the 17 Brigade arranged for them to be reunited with their families.

Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, Commander of the 17 Brigade, commended the troops for their alertness during the patrol. He said the successful rescue reflected the Brigade’s resolve to keep pressure on criminal groups operating in the area. According to him, the command will continue aggressive operations to degrade bandit networks.