The students were kidnapped from their off-campus residence in Angwan Kare area of Keffi town at about 10:30 p.m. on Monday.
Police operatives in Zamfara said it had killed a bandit and arrested six suspects for banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, made the confirmation in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The police claimed that they stormed the camp of notorious bandit leader Bello Maibille to rescue the captives.
The Rivers governor said it is unfortunate that he does not have the opportunity to tell bandits “enough is enough.”
The law also provides that anyone found guilty of aiding and abetting would be liable to life, 20 or 10 years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.
Residents of the affected area are asked to report injured criminal elements “hibernating around nearby communities to access healthcare services”.
Police spokesman stated also that the suspects were undergoing interrogation and would be charged in court upon completion of investigation.
Bandits attacked the vehicle Ms Awashima was traveling in along a highway in Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara State on Tuesday.
The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, has solicited the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism to tackle the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.
