Nigerian Army Launches Fierce Raid on Bandit Camps in Katsina, Rescues Woman Held Captive for Over Two Months

 

Katsina State, Nigeria – In a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism and rural banditry, troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified their offensive operations in the North-West, specifically targeting notorious bandit enclaves in Katsina State. This latest military operation, carried out on the morning of Saturday, May 18th, 2025, has not only resulted in the dismantling of key terrorist camps but also led to the dramatic rescue of a woman who had been held hostage for over two months.

The high-stakes operation, conducted in Machika and Dankolo villages within Sabuwa Local Government Area, aimed at dismantling the strongholds of one of the region’s most feared bandit leaders — Kachalla Muritala. Known for his brutal attacks and kidnapping operations along major roadways, Muritala's criminal network has long been a thorn in the side of security forces and communities alike



.

Coordinated Military Assault on Bandit Kingpin’s Strongholds

The military's coordinated assault was a part of its ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-West, where armed banditry, cattle rustling, and mass kidnappings have destabilized rural life and hindered agricultural and economic activities.

According to respected security analyst Zagazola Makama, who is renowned for providing credible intelligence updates on insurgency and security operations across Nigeria's troubled regions, the raid was strategically planned and executed based on actionable intelligence.

“Intelligence sources said that the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding mountains,” said Zagazola Makama.

This confrontation, which took place in rugged and difficult terrain, demonstrated the courage and tactical prowess of the Nigerian troops. Despite the intensity of the engagement, no casualties were recorded on the part of the military, a testament to the training and discipline of the soldiers involved.

Three Terrorists Neutralized and Camps Destroyed

During the firefight, three terrorists were neutralized — a term used by the military to denote that they were killed in combat. The soldiers pressed their advantage, chasing the fleeing criminals and proceeding to destroy multiple camps used by the terrorists as operational bases.

The military’s scorched-earth approach included the burning down of makeshift shelters, motorcycles, livestock, and various life-support systems used by the bandits to sustain their operations. These measures were specifically aimed at preventing the criminals from returning to the same location in the future, thereby disrupting their supply chains and territorial control.

This proactive approach reflects the Nigerian Army's shift toward more sustainable counter-terrorism strategies, focusing not only on defeating the enemy in combat but also dismantling their infrastructure and cutting off their sources of logistics and communication.

Further Gains in the Maigora Axis

After clearing the Machika and Dankolo strongholds, the troops extended their operation to the Maigora axis, where they recorded additional gains. Notably, three motorcycles used by the bandits for swift movement across difficult terrains were recovered.

Motorcycles have long been the preferred mode of transport for terrorists in Nigeria’s forested regions, allowing them to carry out hit-and-run attacks, move abductees, and escape detection by security forces. By seizing and destroying these motorcycles, the military has further weakened the operational capacity of the insurgents in the region.

Heroic Escape and Rescue of Kidnap Victim

Perhaps the most heartwarming part of this operation was the rescue of a 40-year-old woman, Mrs. Suliat Adam, who had been abducted approximately 70 days earlier. Mrs. Adam, an indigene of Dankolo village, was kidnapped along the Funtua–Zaria Road, a notorious hotspot for abductions by bandits.

Her escape became possible due to an earlier military assault conducted in Maigora on May 20, which significantly disoriented the bandits and created a window of opportunity for her to flee the camp.

Thanks to her resilience and the disruption caused by the military, Mrs. Adam managed to evade her captors and find safety, where she was soon reunited with her family.

Her story adds to the growing list of civilians liberated from captivity due to the Nigerian military’s ongoing offensive against banditry and terrorism in the North-West.

Rising Confidence in Military’s Counter-Banditry Strategy

The successful operation in Sabuwa LGA has further boosted public confidence in the Nigerian Army’s counter-banditry strategy, especially at a time when citizens are demanding greater action against the spate of kidnappings and violence in rural communities.

Local residents and community leaders have applauded the swift response by the military and called for more sustained operations across Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States, which remain the epicenters of terrorist and bandit activity in Nigeria.

Katsina State: A Key Battleground in Nigeria’s Fight Against Insecurity

Katsina State, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been one of the worst-hit regions in the North-West, with hundreds of villages affected by bandit attacks, mass abductions, and destruction of farmlands.

The terrain, characterized by forest reserves and borderlands, has made it a challenging environment for security forces. However, with better intelligence gathering, community collaboration, and sustained military presence, victories like this recent raid are becoming more common.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

The success of this operation is more than just a tactical win — it reflects a larger shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, with increased focus on intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and territorial denial tactics. This approach aims to reduce the capacity of bandit groups to regroup and resume their violent activities.

Moreover, the rescue of civilians like Mrs. Adam reinforces the moral and social imperative of the military’s role: protecting lives, restoring peace, and rebuilding trust in government institutions.

Key Takeaways

• Three terrorists neutralized, with no military casualties reported.

• Bandit camps destroyed along with their motorcycles, livestock, and supply systems.

• A 40-year-old kidnapped woman rescued after more than two months in captivity.

• Troops made additional gains in the Maigora axis, recovering more equipment.

• Local and national confidence in military operations is on the rise.

Conclusion

This daring operation by the Nigerian Army in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State marks another milestone in Nigeria's ongoing fight against terrorism and rural banditry. With enhanced military strategies and better coordination with intelligence services, there is renewed hope that peace and security can be restored across the troubled North-West region.

As the battle continues, NaijaRush will keep following developments to bring you up-to-date news, detailed reports, and inspiring stories of resilience from affected communities.

Stay tuned for more updates on Nigeria's security situation, and don’t forget to share this story to spread awareness about the efforts being made to combat insecurity in our nation.