A joint network of security operatives has neutralized seven suspected bandits and rescued 34 abducted victims that include women and children in the Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident which occured on Tuesday night, happened when the suspected bandits attacked Gidan Bawa community, in Kandarawa area, and abducted several people with intention of moving them into the forest.

It was learnt that the bandits, numbering about 40, were suspected to be under the leadership of a notorius hoodlum, Isiya Kwashen Garwa.

They were said to have abducted 45 people, consisting mostly of women and children.

But alerted on the incident, security operatives consisting of local hunters, Civilian JTF, and operatives of the state government-owned Community Watch Corps (CWC), were said have moved quickly and ambushed the bandits.

According to a source familiar with the incident, the security operatives were stationed at Guga camp, an area said to be located along the path where the bandits were supposed to follow.

The source said it was while the bandits were close to the camp that the security operatives ambushed them, and a gunfire exchange ensued.

During the exchange, the security operatives managed to kill seven bandits, and rescued 34 abducted victims.

However, three of those who were targeted for abduction lost their lives during the gunfight, while five others are missing.

The source added it is suspected that some of them escaped, or that the bandits managed to go away with them.

During the confrontation, the security personnel also recovered 19 cattle and other items that the bandits had stolen when attacked the community.

It was gathered that security authorities are continuing investigations to locate the missing persons and to track down the remaining bandits who fled.

Spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, has yet to respond or issue statement the incident.