In a concerning turn of events, bandits have abducted Abdulsalam Rabi’u Faskari, a celebrated winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, along with his father, Malam Rabe Faskari, and his brothers. The abduction occurred near Labin Bangori in Katsina State on Tuesday evening, casting a shadow over Abdulsalam's recent achievement. The family was ambushed while returning to Faskari after Abdulsalam was honored by Governor Dikko Radda for his victory in the 39th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

A government official in Faskari, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the distressing news, stating, "Malam Rabe and his five children, including Abdulsalam, were abducted at Bangori along Yankara road. We have not heard from them since." The abduction has triggered widespread concern and prompted calls for swift action to ensure the safe return of the Faskari family.

Abdulsalam, a medical student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, had secured first place in the male category for his exceptional memorization of 60 Hizbs of the Qur’an, marking a significant accomplishment in his academic and religious pursuits. The police spokesman in Katsina State, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident, leaving the public anxious for updates on the situation.

In a separate incident highlighting ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have successfully rescued seven kidnap victims in the Ganawuri community of Riyom Local Government Area in Plateau State. OPSH, a multi-security task force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, conducted the rescue operation as part of their ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A at Attakar high grounds in Ganawuri district.

Major Samson Zhakom, the spokesman for OPSH, announced the successful rescue in Jos, detailing that the mission was based on credible intelligence reports indicating that kidnappers were holding victims abducted along the Jos-Ganawuri road. "During the operation, troops made contact with the kidnappers, and superior firepower forced them to flee into the high grounds," Major Zhakom stated. "Troops exploited the general area and rescued seven victims identified as Mr. Sale Umar, Muhammadu Inusa, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Muhammad Hamisu, Ibrahim Maradu, and Saidu Sani, all from Bauchi State."

The troops also recovered a bag containing a blanket and clothing materials abandoned by the criminals. The rescued victims were debriefed to gather information for follow-up operations aimed at intercepting and neutralizing members of the kidnapping syndicate. These parallel events underscore the persistent challenges of insecurity in various regions and the continuous efforts by security forces to address these threats.