Security forces have rescued 44 kidnapped victims during a coordinated clearance operation in Rugu forest, a notorious stronghold of bandits spanning several North-Western states.

The operation, carried out on August 19, was a joint effort involving troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Watch Corps, local vigilantes, and air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Acting on intelligence, the security team stormed Kaigar Malamai, a border community within the forest, dislodging bandit enclaves and freeing the captives, who included men, women, and children.

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Among those rescued were three indigenes of Kano State and 41 residents of Katsina State drawn from Kankia, Charanci, Matazu, Kusada, and Dutsin-ma LGAs.

The victims ranged from elderly men like 75-year-old Alhaji Suleiman Aminu and 70-year-old Sama’ila Ali to toddlers such as two-year-old Ramlat Rabi’u and four-year-old Aniba Hayatu.

Entire families were among the survivors, including 40-year-old Hauwa’u Dikko and her daughters Hadiza (20) and Fatima (10).

Teenagers like 15-year-old Maryam Bishir and 16-year-old Fatima Abdullahi were also freed.

The victims were taken to the General Hospital, Dan-Musa, for medical checks before being handed over to local authorities for reintegration with their families.

Doctors confirmed they were in stable condition, though many showed signs of trauma and exhaustion.

Security sources described the mission as a tactical and symbolic victory in reclaiming Rugu forest from criminal gangs.

Patrols and surveillance have since been intensified to prevent bandits from regrouping in the area.

For the victims, the rescue ends weeks of captivity and begins a new journey of recovery, while for security forces, it underscores the impact of intelligence-led joint operations backed by community support.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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