Bandits dressed in hijabs have abducted 25 persons in Runka community in Safana local government area of Katsina State.
The bandits struck last Saturday night as they shot sporadically before kidnapping their victims, who were mostly women and children.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers moved from house to house, breaking in and taking occupants to the nearby forest.
One person who was injured when he attempted to escape has been hospitalised.
The attack is believed to have been facilitated by informants within the community.
The local government chairman, Abdullahi Sani Safana, confirmed the incident and stated that a rescue operation is underway.
The Katsina State Police Command did not issue an official statement on the incident.
However, the divisional police officer (DPO) in Safana has deployed a team to assist in the rescue efforts.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, particularly in areas near the Rugu Forest, which has been a hideout for criminal elements.