Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued a 30-year-old woman, Mrs Abida Rufai, after she was kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The rescue operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday, May 21, 2026, after troops stationed at Yantumaki received reports of gunshots from the outskirts of the community, triggering an immediate military response.
According to military sources, soldiers swiftly mobilised to the scene following distress reports from frightened residents who informed them that armed terrorists had invaded the area and abducted Mrs Rufai before fleeing into a nearby bush path.
Troops reportedly launched a rapid pursuit operation along the escape route used by the attackers. After trailing the suspects into the surrounding forest area, the soldiers made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle.
Military authorities said the troops overpowered the assailants with superior firepower, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee deeper into the bush to escape the advancing soldiers.
Mrs Rufai was successfully rescued unharmed and safely returned to the community, where she was reunited with her family members amid relief and celebration from residents.
Security sources said the operation formed part of ongoing clearance and anti-terror operations being conducted across vulnerable communities in Katsina State, particularly in frontline local government areas frequently targeted by armed groups and kidnappers.
Danmusa Local Government Area, including Yantumaki and surrounding communities, has witnessed repeated attacks by terrorists and bandits in recent years, with residents often facing kidnappings, cattle rustling, and deadly raids carried out by heavily armed groups operating from forest enclaves across the North-West region.
The Nigerian Army said troops have continued aggressive patrols and domination operations across the area following the rescue mission to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Military authorities also reiterated their commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist and criminal elements threatening communities across Katsina State and other parts of the North-West.
Residents of Yantumaki were said to have praised the swift intervention of the troops, noting that the rapid response likely prevented the kidnappers from taking the victim deeper into forest hideouts where rescue operations become more difficult.
The latest operation adds to a series of recent military offensives targeting terrorist and bandit networks operating across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of Kaduna State as security forces intensify efforts to curb rising insecurity in the region.
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