Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Faruruwa have rescued a kidnapped victim following a successful security operation along the Kano–Katsina border in the early hours of Sunday.

The army public relations officer, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Kano, Maj. Zubair Babatunde, told journalists that the operation followed a credible tip-off received at about 1:00 a.m. on the movement of armed bandits from Daurawa and Kira areas of Katsina State towards the Kano axis.

According to him, the troops operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Yankwada, swiftly mobilised a fighting patrol to the fringe of the Kano/Katsina border to intercept the suspected bandits.

“On arrival at Ungwan Dogo/Ungwan Tudu, the troops made contact with the armed bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

“The bandits were overpowered and forced to withdraw in disarray towards Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State,” he said.

Mr Babatunde said that during the encounter, one kidnap victim, identified as Rabiu Alhaji Halilu, aged 38, was rescued by the troops.

According to him, Mr Halilu sustained a gunshot wound on his leg during captivity and was promptly evacuated to the JTF Faruruwa Medical Centre, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Items recovered during the operation included three motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing bandits, as well as an undisclosed number of cattle believed to have been rustled.

He added that troops have remained on high alert and intensified patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities and ensure sustained security along the border communities.

(NAN)