Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has joined forces with a united security team to thwart a terrorist attack on the Zakka community in Safana Local Government Area.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kaula Mohammed, announced on Saturday that during the encounter, the team successfully rescued a 33-year-old man who had been abducted by bandits.
The dramatic events unfolded as Governor Radda was in Safana to inaugurate an empowerment program sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Abduljalal Runka.
However, upon receiving distress calls about an impending terrorist attack on Zakka village, Radda promptly called off the program.
After the intelligence report revealed the planned terrorist attack around 1 pm, Governor Radda, along with a select group from his entourage, swiftly joined forces with a combined team of security personnel.
“After the intelligence report on the planned terrorist attack was revealed to Governor Radda around 1 pm, he immediately called off his involvement in the colourful empowerment programme of the Katsina House of Assembly Deputy Speaker,” the chief press secretary wrote.
He continued: “Mr. Governor and some few members of his entourage then joined a combined team of security personnel, comprising men of the Nigerian Police, Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, and personnel of the Community Watch Corps, to engage the terrorists at Zakka forest, before the criminals advanced to the hills.
“A 33-year-old man was bravely rescued by the gallant troops after a heavy gun battle with the terrorists which lasted almost 30 minutes. The terrorists were fortunate to escape without suffering any casualties after their callous mission was thwarted.”
This formidable team included members of the Nigerian Police, Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, Ground troops of the Nigerian Army, and personnel of the Community Watch Corps.
Engaging the terrorists at Zakka forest before they could advance to the hills, a 30-minute intense gun battle ensued.
Remarkably, the gallant troops successfully rescued the 33-year-old man, who had been shot in the leg by the bandits.Governor Radda, acknowledging the bravery of the security forces, directed that the rescued man be urgently taken to the hospital for treatment.
Despite the bandits managing to escape without casualties, the decisive action by the joint security team averted a potentially devastating terrorist mission in the region.
