The Katsina State Police Command has foiled two kidnap attempts in Jibia and Faskari Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, rescuing, twenty (20) kidnapped victims in the process.
The Command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Aliyu confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, the first incident occurred on December 7, 2024 about
7 p.m, at Kwanar Makera along the Katsina–Magamar Jibia road, Jibia LGA, where a group of armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons including AK-47 rifles, opened fire on a moving vehicle, attempting to abduct the occupants.
He revealed that operatives of the command attached to the Jibia divisional police headquarters, acting on a tip-off, responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee the scene with gunshot injuries.
“All ten (10) occupants of the vehicle were successfully rescued unhurt,” he added.
Aliyu added that on the same date about 10.30 p.m at Marabar Bangori, along the Funtua–Gusau road, Faskari LGA, suspected bandits laid ambush for a motor vehicle conveying 10 passengers.
He further revealed “The command’s operatives, who were alerted of the situation, quickly mobilized and stormed the scene, engaging the bandits in a fierce gun duel.
“Due to superior firepower, the bandits abandon their heinous plan as they flee the scene, and all the passengers were successfully rescued.
“Unfortunately, one of the rescued victims was rushed to the hospital due to severe assault inflicted on him by the assailants. The victim is currently responding to medical attention.”
The Command’s spokesman said the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, while commending the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the officers, charged them to sustain the tempo in the ongoing fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.
The Police Commissioner reportedly reiterated the commitment of the command towards ensuring the safety and security of the people of the state.