Police Storm Bandits’ Hideout in Zamfara, Rescue 25 Women and Children

In a decisive breakthrough against rising insecurity in the Northwest, operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued 25 abducted residents — including 10 women and 15 children — after armed bandits launched a late-night raid on Kuraje village in the Damba area of Gusau LGA.

A Night of Terror in Kuraje Village

The invasion happened around 9:45 p.m. on Friday, when heavily armed bandits stormed the quiet village, firing shots to scare residents before whisking away the women and children. Panic swept through the community as families scrambled for safety, fearing another long nightmare of kidnappings that have plagued parts of Zamfara.

But this time, the attackers didn’t get far.

Swift Response, Tactical Pursuit

Immediately after the alarm was raised, a joint team comprising:

Zamfara State Police operatives,

Damba Division patrol teams,

The Department of Operations in Gusau, and

Community Protection Guards (CPG)

launched a coordinated chase, tracking the bandits through forest routes.

Their fast and strategic response forced the criminals to abandon their captives as they fled deeper into the bush to evade confrontation.

According to police authorities, the operatives displayed “high-level professionalism and gallantry” during the rescue mission, ensuring that all 25 victims were freed without injuries.

Victims Reunited With Families

After the rescue, the women and children were moved to Sabongari, Damba, where they underwent medical checks and profiling. Security officials later facilitated their safe reunion with their families — a moment of relief and joy for the traumatised community.

Police React

Zamfara Police Commissioner Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba praised the swift action of the officers and the support of the Community Protection Guards, reaffirming the command’s commitment to crushing criminal elements across the state.

He also assured residents that efforts are ongoing to hunt down the fleeing bandits.

A Win — But the Battle Continues

The successful rescue operation highlights the growing coordination between security agencies and community defenders in Zamfara. It also sends a strong message to criminal groups that their activities will not go unchallenged.