The Katsina State Police Command has succeeded in foiling a kidnap attempt, rescuing 18 kidnapped victims in the process.
Operatives of the command also foiled a cattle rustling attempt and recovered rustled animals.
The Command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Aliyu confirmed the developments yesterday in a press statement.
He gave details of the incidents including where and how they happened.
His words” On January 3rd, 2025, at about 9.30 a.m. information was received at the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits armed with AK-47 rifles, shooting sporadically, ambushed four (4) motor vehicles at a point along the Funtua to Gusau, Zamfara State, highway.
“The vehicles, one Toyota Avensis, maroon in colour, en route to Yankara village from Batsari; one DAF motor vehicle, white in colour; one Pacars Canter motor vehicle; and one DAF, green in colour, all en route to Funtua from Gusau, Zamfara State, conveying eighteen (18) passengers, were attacked by the suspected kidnappers in an attempt to kidnap all the occupants.
“Upon receipt of the report, promptly the DPO Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters mobilised operatives to the scene, where a gunfight ensued.
‘The team successfully repelled the armed bandits’ attack and rescued all eighteen (18) victims unharmed.
“Similarly, on the same date at about 11 p.m, some suspected armed bandits attacked Gidan Gada village, Kafur LGA, Katsina State, rustling a number of cattle.
“Upon receipt of the report, swiftly the DPOs of Kafur and Malumfashi Divisional Police Headquarters jointly mobilised and traced the suspected armed bandits to the area of Fanisau village, where they engaged the bandits in a gun duel, successfully recovering all the rustled animals.
“Unfortunately, the DPO Kafur sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter and was immediately rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention and is currently responding to treatment.
“Efforts are on top gear to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.”
Aliyu added that the State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, while commending the exceptional act of valour displayed by the officers, urged members of the public to continue supporting the command as well as other security agencies in the state with timely information for prompt and decisive action.