Security operatives in Katsina State recorded a major breakthrough on Monday after successfully foiling a kidnap attempt and rescuing four victims during a joint operation along the Funtua–Gusau highway.
The operation, carried out by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with police patrol teams, took place near Tudun Malamai village in Faskari Local Government Area, a hotspot that has witnessed frequent bandit activities in recent months.
According to security sources, armed men laid an ambush on the highway, blocking the road and targeting a Toyota Corolla with registration number FSK 94 ML, which was traveling from Zaria to Faskari. The assailants reportedly attempted to abduct the passengers before military intervention.
Renowned security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the troops acted swiftly, engaging the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee into the nearby bush.
The four passengers, identified as Abubakar Hamisu (36) of Faskari, Ashiru Saidu (35) of Faskari, Kabir Sulaiman (30) of Faskari town, and Bishir Ibrahim (34) of Kagana village, were rescued unharmed.
The victims were immediately taken to safety, while security forces launched a follow-up operation to track down the fleeing suspects. Authorities confirmed that intensified patrols have been deployed in the Faskari axis to prevent further attacks and reassure road users of their safety.
This rescue mission adds to the series of successful operations recently recorded under Operation FANSAN YANMA, a security initiative launched to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in Katsina and neighboring states.
Community leaders in Faskari commended the troops and police for their swift response, describing the intervention as a timely action that averted what could have been another deadly tragedy along the troubled highway.
Despite this success, residents continue to call on the government to sustain military pressure in order to restore lasting peace and protect travelers on the Funtua–Gusau corridor, which has become notorious for armed attacks.
