By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) successfully neutralized over 100 bandits during a nighttime operation at the Kuka Shidda Camp in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. The operation targeted a criminal group linked to notorious terrorists Yusuf Yellow and Rabe Imani, also destroying over 45 motorcycles used by the bandits.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, spokesperson for Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, disclosed in a statement that this marked the third successful air raid in the Faskari-Kankara axis, significantly disrupting bandit activities in the area.

In a separate incident, security forces thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the early hours of Sunday in the Kwata area of Jibia LGA. According to a credible police source, a distress call was received around 4:15 am, prompting a rapid response from a SUPOL-led Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team.

Upon arrival, the team encountered armed bandits holding three women captive. The police swiftly blocked the kidnappers’ escape route, leading to a confrontation and subsequent gunfight. The criminals fled, leaving all three victims – Ummulkhari Abubakar (23), Shafa’atu Abubakar (35), and Maryam Lawal (15) – unharmed. Additionally, a six-month-old baby boy named Ismail Usman, who was among the abducted, was rescued safely.

The police source noted that the security forces exercised commendable restraint, using only 14 rounds of ammunition and 20 smoke canisters during the operation.

The statement emphasized that the swift response not only saved lives but also sent a strong message to criminal elements that such acts will not be tolerated. It highlighted the unwavering commitment of security forces to protect the citizens of Katsina State from criminal activities.