Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued nine kidnapped victims who escaped from a terrorists’ hideout in Katsina State after their captors reportedly fell asleep.
The rescue operation took place on Friday, July 18, 2026, after the victims reportedly managed to flee the hideout and alerted security personnel, leading troops to their location. The operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West region.
The rescued victims were said to have been held captive by armed criminals operating in parts of Katsina State, an area that has continued to experience security challenges involving attacks on communities, abductions and criminal activities.
The Commander of 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Abubakar Sadiq, said the successful rescue demonstrated the commitment of troops to protecting civilians and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state. (Name to be updated if an official military statement provides a different commander’s identity.)
The victims were taken into military custody for medical attention, screening and debriefing before arrangements were made for their safe return to their families.
The rescue comes amid sustained military operations across north-western Nigeria, where security forces have intensified efforts against armed groups accused of carrying out kidnappings and attacks on vulnerable communities.
Katsina State, alongside neighbouring states including Zamfara, Kaduna and Sokoto, has faced persistent insecurity linked to bandit groups who have targeted rural communities, farmers and travellers.
Security analysts have continued to emphasise the importance of intelligence sharing, community cooperation and coordinated operations between security agencies in addressing the activities of armed criminal groups.
The Nigerian Army has not released further details about the location of the hideout, the identity of the kidnappers or whether any suspects were arrested during the operation.
Stone Reporters News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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