The Zamfara State Police Command has successfully rescued five women and children who were kidnapped along the Dansadau–Gusau highway by suspected bandits.
According to the State Police Spokesman, DSP Yazid Abubakar, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were on routine patrol when they came across motorists and commuters trapped by armed bandits on the highway.
“Our officers engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee and leaving the victims behind,” DSP Abubakar said.
The rescued individuals were immediately taken to Gusau, the state capital, where they received medical attention and were later reunited with their families.
Zamfara State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives across the state. He urged citizens to continue providing timely information that could help security agencies tackle criminal activities.
“We call on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security posts. Your cooperation is critical in our fight against kidnapping and banditry,” Commissioner Maikaba said.
Kidnapping and armed robbery have remained major security challenges in Zamfara, which borders Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Niger states. Criminal gangs often target highways and rural communities, taking advantage of poor security infrastructure and the remote nature of many towns and villages.
Zamfara has faced persistent insecurity over the past decade, with bandit groups conducting attacks on villages, markets, and travelers along major roads. Kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and attacks on farming communities have caused widespread fear among residents.
In response, security agencies have launched various operations, including joint military-police patrols, roadblocks, and airstrikes targeting bandit hideouts. These efforts aim to dismantle camps, seize weapons, and recover abducted victims.
Recently, the Nigerian Air Force conducted airstrikes on suspected bandit hideouts in Tsafe Local Government Area. The operations targeted camps linked to Improvised Explosive Device (IED) production and attacks along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis. The latest rescue is part of broader efforts to secure highways and towns vulnerable to bandit attacks.
Highways in Zamfara, including the Dansadau–Gusau road, are particularly vulnerable due to their location and poor security coverage. Bandits often block roads, ambush travelers, and kidnap passengers for ransom. These attacks disrupt trade, agriculture, and transportation, further affecting the state’s economy.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, supported by other security agencies, has intensified patrols along high-risk routes. Their strategy includes surveillance, checkpoints, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to distress calls. The gun duel during the recent rescue shows the willingness of security operatives to confront bandits directly and protect civilians.
The frequent attacks by armed groups have left many communities in Zamfara living in fear. Families avoid travelling long distances, and children’s education and market activities are often disrupted during periods of heightened insecurity.
Commissioner Maikaba emphasized the importance of collaboration between security forces and the public. Timely information from citizens can help police locate bandit hideouts, track abductors, and prevent attacks before they occur.
“Public cooperation is the backbone of successful security operations. Citizens should see security personnel as partners and provide relevant information without fear,” the Commissioner added.
Community vigilance has previously led to the recovery of kidnapped victims and the arrest of criminals. Local vigilante groups and traditional rulers often play a complementary role by sharing intelligence and assisting in patrols.
The Nigerian government has encouraged state security agencies to work closely with federal forces to address the growing insecurity in the Northwest. Operations such as Operation Puff Adder, Operation Safe Haven, and Operation Hadarin Daji involve joint military-police-air force efforts to dismantle bandit camps, secure borders, and protect vulnerable communities.
The recent airstrikes in Tsafe, combined with police interventions along highways, highlight the integrated approach being employed to combat banditry. Analysts believe that continuous pressure on criminal networks, combined with community engagement, is essential for long-term security solutions.
The successful rescue of five women and children in Zamfara is a reminder of the dangers posed by bandits but also demonstrates the capabilities of security agencies when they act decisively.
Authorities have promised to sustain operations along major highways and remote areas to prevent further abductions. Citizens are urged to stay alert, cooperate with security forces, and report suspicious activities promptly.