Army Rescue Six Kidnap Victims After Seven Days in Katsina Forest

Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnap victims in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, after the victims reportedly escaped from their abductors and were found wandering in the bush.

The rescue operation took place on Monday, June 29, 2026 during a routine foot patrol by troops deployed at Unguwan Doka, according to the Army.

The rescued victims comprise four women and two male children. They were identified as Mrs Umaima Isiaku 30, Amina Isiaku 16, Safiya Isiaku 15, Ramatu Suleiman 30, Muhammad Shehu 4 and Ibrahim Suleiman 2.

According to preliminary findings by the military, the victims were abducted by suspected armed bandits from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area on June 22, 2026 and managed to escape after spending about a week in captivity.

The Army said the victims were discovered by troops while wandering through the bush during the patrol.

Following their rescue, soldiers administered first aid, provided food and other immediate humanitarian assistance before safely reuniting the victims with their families.

The Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, commended the troops for the successful rescue and reaffirmed the brigade's commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and other criminal activities across Katsina State.

He said the brigade would continue aggressive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks while ensuring the protection of lives and property within its area of responsibility.

The latest rescue comes as security forces continue counter-banditry operations across Katsina and other states in Nigeria's North-West, where armed groups have continued to carry out kidnappings, attacks on communities and other violent crimes.