By Uzair Adam
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) have rescued an abducted victim following a gun battle with suspected armed bandits in the early hours of Sunday around the Kano–Katsina border.
The operation took place around Yankwada after security operatives received intelligence on the movement of armed bandits advancing from Daurawa and Kira areas of Katsina State towards the Kano axis. Acting on the tip-off, the troops mobilised swiftly and engaged the suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
It was gathered that one kidnap victim, identified as Rabiu Alhaji Halilu, 38, was rescued during the operation. Halilu, who sustained a gunshot injury to his leg, was evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa Medical Centre for treatment.
During the encounter, two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits were recovered, while an undisclosed number of cattle were also retrieved.
Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade, Major Babatunde Zubairu, told journalists that the troops intercepted the bandits at Ungwan Dogo and Ungwan Tudu areas along the Kano–Katsina border.
According to him, a fighting patrol was deployed to the area, where the troops engaged the bandits and forced them to retreat in disarray towards Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Major Zubairu added that the troops remain on high alert as operations continue to secure the border communities and prevent further incursions by criminal elements.