Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued six kidnap victims in Katsina State, after the captives escaped from a bandits’ camp and were found wandering through the bush in Faskari Local Government Area.

The victims, four women and two young boys, were intercepted by soldiers deployed at Unguwan Doka during a routine foot patrol. According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 17 Brigade, Captain Abayomi Adisa, the troops noticed the distressed group emerging from a forested area and moved swiftly to secure them.

The rescued persons were identified as 30-year-old Mrs Umaima Isiaku, her daughters Amina, 16, and Safiya, 15, as well as 30-year-old Ramatu Suleiman. The two children freed alongside them were named as four-year-old Muhammad Shehu and two-year-old Ibrahim Suleiman.

Preliminary investigations by the military revealed that the six had been abducted by armed bandits from Unguwan Lado in Kankara Local Government Area. They were reportedly held in captivity for several days before seizing an opportunity to flee their captors and trek through the bush in search of help.

Captain Adisa explained that the troops, who were on a routine patrol to dominate the area and deter criminal activity, immediately recognised the group as likely kidnap victims. The soldiers provided security cover and evacuated them to a safe location for debriefing and medical checks.

The Army said the victims were given first aid, food and other basic necessities to stabilise them after their ordeal. They were later reunited with their families, who had been living in fear since the abduction.

Commander of 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism. He reiterated the Brigade’s resolve to maintain pressure on bandit groups and other criminal elements operating in Katsina and surrounding areas.

He noted that the rescue formed part of broader, ongoing operations across the North-West aimed at dismantling bandit networks, restoring confidence in affected communities and ensuring the safety of lives and property.