Police operatives in Katsina State have successfully rescued five individuals kidnapped by armed criminals during a violent operation in Sabon Garin Safana, within Dutsinma LGA.
Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed that seven people, among them two toddlers, were abducted when the gunmen attacked the village at approximately 2:15 a.m. on April 13, 2025.
“Reliable sources confirmed that the bandits struck in the dead of night, taking seven hostages, including young children,” Makama stated.
Responding to a distress alert, law enforcement officers launched a counter-assault, exchanging gunfire with the kidnappers and managing to free five of the captives without injury: Abdullahi Usman (40), Asma’u Abdullahi (20), Safiya Abdullahi (1), Sumayya Yahuza (20), and Fatima Yahuza (1).
However, not all hostages made it out safely. One, identified as Ibrahim Sale, aged 30, lost his life after being shot by the criminals during the confrontation.
Authorities say the manhunt and rescue efforts for the remaining two victims are ongoing.