Kidnapped INEC Staff Rescued as Security Forces Crush Bandit Attack in Zamfara

Kidnapped INEC staff rescued after a joint security operation involving police and military personnel foiled coordinated bandit attacks in Zamfara State. The operation also freed another abducted victim and recovered hundreds of rustled cattle, according to security sources.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama said the operation followed a wave of attacks by heavily armed bandits across Gummi, Talata Mafara and Gusau Local Government Areas.

According to him, dozens of armed bandits riding about 50 motorcycles stormed villages in Ruwan Bore District, Talata Mafara, on 7 July. The attackers rustled hundreds of cattle before security forces launched a coordinated response.

Meanwhile, a woman suffered a gunshot wound from a stray bullet during the attack. She was taken to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara, where she is receiving treatment.

The kidnapped INEC staff rescued was identified as Aliyu Mohammed. He was reportedly travelling on official duty linked to the National Examinations Council (NECO). After collecting examination scripts from secondary schools in Gummi, he was heading to Sokoto when gunmen intercepted him along the Gummi–Sokoto Road.

Police officers from the Gummi Division quickly secured the abandoned vehicle and recovered the examination scripts. Authorities later handed the materials to the principal of Government Unity Secondary School, Gummi, Ashiru Umar, for delivery to the appropriate NECO office in Sokoto.

Furthermore, security forces tracked the kidnappers and launched an operation in the early hours of 8 July. During a fierce gun battle, troops and police overpowered the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby forests with casualties.

As a result, the kidnapped INEC staff rescued and another victim regained their freedom unharmed. Security personnel also recovered hundreds of stolen cattle and returned them to their owners.

Authorities have not announced any arrests. However, security operations are continuing to track down the fleeing bandits.