Key Points
- Police launched a quick chase after the kidnapping. They forced the bandits to leave the victims behind.
- All 25 victims were found alive and shaken. They were taken to Sabongari Damba for checks.
- Zamfara police praised officers for their bravery during the raid. The command said it will keep fighting banditry.
Residents of Kuraje village woke to gunfire when bandits attacked at night. The raid began at about 9:45 p.m. on Friday, police said.
A fast chase followed after the alarm was raised and callers fled. Joint teams from the Zamfara police command and local guards pursued the attackers. The bandits abandoned the captives during the pursuit and then fled.
What police found and where
Officers found all 25 people alive and visibly shaken at the scene. The rescued group included ten women and fifteen children, police confirmed. They were taken to Sabongari Damba for safety checks and support.
The Zamfara State commissioner of police, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, praised officers.
He said the command will increase patrols to prevent future attacks. Police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar confirmed the rescue in a statement.
The command linked the raid to wider security work across nearby areas. This effort follows earlier emergency responses in the state this month. See the Zamfara gold pit collapse report for recent Zamfara events and local responses.
Villagers told reporters the bandits came without warning to the hamlet. People ran to hide while others raised an alarm and sought help. Community protection guards joined the police pursuit within minutes of the call.
Officers used local guides and informants to track the attackers’ route. The chase forced the attackers to leave the victims on a trail. Those rescued were found together and tended by medical teams on site.
Reaction and next steps
The police said they will keep searching for the fleeing bandits. They urged residents to report suspicious movements and unusual gatherings.
The command also asked elders to help calm tensions and share tips.
Officers plan to hold debriefs and to follow leads from witnesses. Families were reunited with their loved ones after basic checks and support. Local officials arranged transport and temporary shelter for the rescued group.
Security analysts say better local patrols help stop many night raids. They note that quick calls and joint local response shorten attacker hold times. Police pledged sustained patrols and community talks to reduce future risk.
For broader context on recent local stories, see our coverage of Faith admits taking ₦5m loan and regional reports that track security and social issues
