Police Rescue 23 Kidnapped Victims…Bandits Kill 3, Abduct 24…3 Arrested Over Fugitive Chadian Terrorist…Bandits abduct 17 in Night Raid
● Security Forces Rescue 23 Kidnapped Victims from Kajuru Forest in Kaduna
On February 2, 2025, security operatives in Kaduna State rescued 23 kidnapped victims from suspected bandits in Kajuru Forest, located in Kajuru county, approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) southeast of Kaduna city.
According to a statement by the state’s police spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police Mansir Hassan, cited by The Punch, the operation was initiated after credible intelligence was received about armed bandits moving in the area.
Led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kajuru Division and supported by military personnel, the team advanced into the bush where they encountered the bandits attempting to move their captives. The security forces reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits, forcing them to retreat into the forest with gunshot wounds.
The 23 victims, previously reported missing, were safely rescued. “The victims have been safely reunited with their families,” Hassan said. He added that the area is now under heightened surveillance to prevent further attacks.
● 3 Killed, 24 Abducted as Bandits Strike Zamfara Villages
At least three people were killed and 24 others abducted in coordinated bandit attacks on four communities in Shinkafi County of Zamfara State last Thursday.
The assailants, reportedly linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, raided Shinkafi town, Jangeru, Shanawa, and Birnin Yero villages.
In Shinkafi, three people were killed, and nine others, including four women, were kidnapped. Eight worshippers were also abducted from a mosque in Birnin Yero. The bandits also seized four people in Shanawa village, while in Jangeru, a woman was taken but later abandoned in the bush a few miles away.
Daily Trust learned that the bandits have warned residents of Kwari and Kurya, two other villages in the county, to vacate within three days or face attacks. However, residents of Kurya have vowed to resist the threats. “We have made up our minds not to leave our homes,” one resident said. “We are tired of this kind of threat. We have resolved not to go anywhere.”
● Nigerian Police Arrest 3 in Connection with Fugitive Chadian Terrorist
Police in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria have arrested three people associated with a fugitive Chadian terrorist accused of killing 17 people in his home country.
The state’s police commissioner, Salman Garba, confirmed the arrests on Friday, according to Nigerian media, The Punch. Garba identified the suspects as the fugitive’s wife, another Chadian named Jibrin Mohammed, 42, and a Nigerian associate.
“The wanted Chadian suspected terrorist escaped out of Nigeria, and we have successfully apprehended three of the suspect’s associates,” Garba said.
Authorities believe the suspect, Ahmad Adam Abba, was planning to establish a terrorist base in Kano. In response, police have intensified patrols and strengthened surveillance in key vulnerable areas to prevent potential security threats.
● 17 Reportedly Kidnapped in Kaduna as Residents Flee Homes
Seventeen people were kidnapped during a Thursday night attack on Fadan Ruruma in Kumana Chiefdom, forcing residents to flee their homes, according to the Community Development Associations’ (CDAs) forum.
SaharaReporters, which reported the attack, did not provide the specifics. However, the forum’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel D. Achi, condemned the attack, describing it as part of the frequent kidnappings and killings in the area. “People are attacked and kidnapped almost daily without fear,” Achi said in a statement.
Many residents have reportedly fled their homes due to the incessant attacks, abandoning their unharvested farm produce. Authorities have yet to confirm the attack.
What’s News Today? February 3, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
