Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force for the successful rescue of 21 kidnapped victims in the state.
The governor’s commendation was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu.
According to the statement, the victims – comprising 19 Christians and two Muslims – were rescued during a joint security operation at Dargaza Hills in Danmusa Local Government Area. The operation also involved members of the State Community Watch Corps.
Four suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently undergoing investigation, the statement added.
The rescued victims included 16 women, two men and three infants. They were reportedly abducted from Gidan Sarkin Bayero Village in Musawa Local Government Area and other locations.
The state government noted that 19 of the victims are Christians while two are Muslims, describing the development as evidence of the indiscriminate nature of banditry and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens irrespective of religious affiliation.
The operation specifically targeted an enclave linked to notorious bandit leader Kamilu Chiroma, also known as Buzaru, located in the Dargaza Hills.
Governor Radda praised what he described as the “professionalism and courage” displayed by the security agencies, emphasizing that the successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration.
The state government assured residents that the arrested suspects would face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of investigations, reiterating the governor’s resolve to end banditry and restore lasting peace across Katsina State.
