Katsina State Police Command said it successfully thwarted two separate kidnapping attempts in Jibia and Faskari local government areas of the state, rescuing 20 victims in the process.
A statement by the Command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the incidents highlight the commitment of law enforcement to combating banditry and ensuring the safety of residents in the state.
ASP Aliyu reported that on December 7, 2024, at approximately 7pm, armed bandits wielding AK-47 rifles attacked a vehicle traveling along the Katsina – Magamar –Jibia Road near Kwanar Makera.
The attackers opened fire in an attempt to abduct the occupants.
Acting on intelligence, operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly responded and engaged the attackers in a gunfight.
Overwhelmed by the operatives’ superior firepower, the bandits fled with injuries, abandoning their plan.
The state police spokesman said all 10 passengers in the targeted vehicle were rescued unscathed.
According to ASP Aliyu, a second kidnapping attempt occurred at Marabar Bangori on the Funtua -Gusau Road in Faskari LGA later that evening around 8:30 pm with a vehicle carrying 10 passengers ambushed by suspected bandits.
He said police operatives, who were promptly alerted, arrived at the scene and engaged the criminals in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Aliyu added that the bandits were forced to retreat and abandon their mission.
While all passengers were rescued, one victim sustained severe injuries from an assault by the assailants.
He added that the wounded victim was rushed to a hospital and is reported to be responding well to treatment.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, commended the officers for their bravery and professionalism during both operations.
CP Musa urged them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against crime and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state’s residents.
He also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, assuring of the police Command’s dedication to protecting lives and property across the state.