Troops Repel Bandits, Rescue Kidnap Victim At Kano–Katsina Boundary

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Faruruwa have repelled bandits and rescued a kidnap victim during an early morning operation at the Kano–Katsina border.

The operation, which took place at about 1:00 a.m. on December 28, 2025, followed a tip-off received by the troops from the Forward Operating Base (FoB) Yankwada on the movement of bandits from Daurawa and Kira areas of Katsina State towards the Kano axis.

According to a statement issued by the spokesperson of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, a fighting patrol was deployed to the boundary area. The troops encountered the bandits at Ungwan Dogo and Ungwan Tudu, where a fierce exchange of fire ensued.

The statement added that the troops’ superior firepower forced the bandits to retreat in disarray towards Matazu local government area of Katsina State.

During the encounter, one kidnap victim, identified as Rabiu Alhaji Halilu, 38, was rescued. Halilu, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, was evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa Medical Centre, where he is currently receiving treatment.

The troops also recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits, as well as an undisclosed number of cattle suspected to have been rustled.

Captain Zubairu added that troops remain on high alert and are sustaining operations in the area to forestall further criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents along the Kano–Katsina border.