Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade have rescued eight out of 10 bridesmaids abducted by armed bandits during a wedding ceremony in Dabawa village, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, in an operation that authorities say was executed swiftly following distress alerts from the community.
The attack occurred late Tuesday night when gunmen reportedly stormed the wedding venue, firing sporadically to disperse guests before seizing 10 young women identified as bridesmaids. Witnesses said the assailants operated in a coordinated manner, arriving on motorcycles and retreating toward bush paths linking Kano and neighboring Katsina State.
Security sources confirmed that troops under the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade mobilized immediately after receiving intelligence about the abduction. Soldiers launched a pursuit along the Katsina–Kano road, particularly within the Gidan Mutum Daya axis, where the fleeing bandits were believed to be heading.
According to military sources familiar with the operation, the rapid deployment enabled troops to intercept the attackers before they could disperse deeper into forested terrain. In the ensuing pressure from advancing soldiers, the bandits reportedly abandoned eight of the captives and fled with the remaining two into surrounding bushes.
The rescued bridesmaids were recovered unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families after undergoing preliminary medical checks and debriefing by security personnel. Community members gathered in relief as the girls returned, though anxiety remains over the fate of the two still missing.
The incident took place within Shanono Local Government Area, a rural part of Kano State that shares proximity with areas in Katsina known for banditry. While Kano has generally maintained a relatively stable security profile compared to some neighboring states, border communities remain vulnerable to incursions by armed groups exploiting forest corridors and inter-state highways.
Residents of Dabawa village described scenes of panic during the attack. Wedding celebrations reportedly turned chaotic as guests scrambled for safety. Several witnesses said the attackers appeared to specifically target young women, raising fears that the abduction was premeditated rather than opportunistic.
Security analysts note that abductions during social gatherings such as weddings have become an emerging tactic among armed groups seeking high-impact targets and potential ransom leverage. Such incidents often generate heightened public alarm due to their brazenness and the vulnerability of victims.
Military authorities have not yet issued a formal public statement detailing casualty figures or confirming whether any of the bandits were neutralized during the pursuit. However, internal sources indicate that search-and-rescue operations are ongoing to locate the remaining two captives and prevent the attackers from regrouping.
The Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade, operating under the broader framework of counter-banditry operations in northwestern Nigeria, has in recent months intensified patrols along critical transit routes connecting Kano and Katsina states. The Katsina–Kano road has been identified as a strategic corridor frequently exploited by criminal elements for rapid movement across state lines.
Community leaders in Shanono praised the prompt response of security forces, crediting the rapid mobilization for preventing a potentially larger tragedy. However, they also called for sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deter future incursions.
Local vigilante groups have reportedly increased night surveillance around Dabawa and neighboring settlements as residents remain apprehensive. Some families expressed concern that the attackers could attempt reprisals or further kidnappings if not decisively confronted.
Kano State authorities have previously reiterated commitments to strengthening collaboration between the military, police, and community-based security networks. The state government has also emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, particularly in rural and border communities vulnerable to infiltration.
The broader security context in northwestern Nigeria continues to be shaped by shifting bandit networks that operate across porous borders. Although intensified military operations in some states have disrupted major camps, armed groups frequently adapt by relocating or staging quick-hit attacks in less fortified areas.
For the families of the rescued bridesmaids, the return of their daughters brought palpable relief. Relatives described emotional reunions marked by gratitude and lingering trauma. Counselors and medical personnel are expected to provide follow-up support to ensure the girls’ physical and psychological well-being.
Efforts to locate the remaining two abducted bridesmaids continue, with security forces combing suspected hideouts in nearby bushland. Authorities have urged residents to provide credible information that could aid in their safe recovery.
As investigations proceed, the wedding attack underscores ongoing security challenges in rural northern Nigeria, where communities remain dependent on rapid military response and coordinated intelligence efforts to counter increasingly mobile armed groups.
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