Security Forces Rescue Abducted Victims in Zamfara
The Zamfara State Police Command has successfully rescued twenty-five women and children who were kidnapped by armed bandits during a Friday night attack on Kuraje community. The dramatic rescue operation involved coordinated efforts between police patrol teams and local community protection guards.
According to police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar, the abduction occurred on Friday, November 21, at approximately 9:45 PM when bandits stormed the Kuraje village in the Damba area of Gusau Local Government. The assailants reportedly began firing shots indiscriminately as they entered the community, creating panic among residents.
Swift Response Leads to Successful Rescue
In an official statement released on Saturday, November 22 from the state capital Gusau, Abubakar confirmed that the victims included ten women and fifteen children, all residents of the Kuraje community. The police representative emphasized that immediate mobilization of joint security forces led to the successful rescue operation.
The swift response from our joint police patrol teams and community protection guards proved crucial in this operation, Abubakar stated. Following their rescue, the victims were transported to Sabongari, Damba for proper profiling and necessary care procedures.
Operation Context Amid Broader Security Challenges
This successful rescue mission comes against the backdrop of increasing security concerns in northern Nigeria. The development follows closely after the confirmed kidnapping of 315 students in Niger State, as reported by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora on the same Saturday.
The Niger State government has expressed deep sadness over the separate kidnapping incident at St. Mary's School in Agwara Local Government Area. Security agencies have commenced investigation and rescue operations for the safe return of all abducted individuals.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has postponed planned foreign trips to South Africa and Angola due to bandit attacks in Kebbi and Kwara states, underscoring the seriousness of the security situation across multiple northern states.
