Nine kidnap victims have regained their freedom after reportedly escaping from a terrorists’ hideout while their captors were asleep in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the victims were rescued by troops of the 17 Brigade during a routine foot patrol at Anguwan Doka at about 8:30 a.m. on July 15.
The rescued group comprised three women, four men and two young children.
During preliminary questioning, the victims told the troops they had been abducted by suspected armed terrorists along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. They said they took advantage of the moment when the guards at the terrorists’ camp allegedly fell asleep, escaped on foot, and trekked through the bush until they encountered the military patrol.
The victims identified themselves as natives of Kuchere village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military has since taken the rescued victims into protective custody and is expected to hand them over to the appropriate authorities for medical care, debriefing, and reunification with their families.
The incident highlights both the persistent threat of banditry and kidnapping in northwestern Nigeria and the continued efforts by security forces to rescue victims and restore safety in affected communities.
