?Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Military, and local vigilantes have foiled a mass abduction attempt by armed bandits in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, successfully rescuing 18 victims.

?The rescued group, comprising 14 females and four males—including children and toddlers—was abandoned by the assailants after security forces acted on actionable intelligence to intercept and block their escape route.

At least seven bandits sustained injuries during the engagement, while a 14-year-old rescued victim who suffered a gunshot wound is currently receiving medical treatment.

?Commending the joint operation, traditional rulers in Bakori praised the prompt and coordinated response of the security agencies and local vigilantes.

This successful interception comes less than two weeks after security forces thwarted a similar mass kidnapping attempt in Gidan Iyado, Bakori LGA, where 18 bandits were neutralized.