The Katsina State Police Command successfully thwarted two separate kidnapping attempts and rescued 20 victims during operations on Saturday in Jibia and Faskari Local Government Areas.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, provided details of the incidents.
The first occurred on December 7, 2024, at around 7:00 PM near Kwanar Makera, along the Katsina–Magamar Jibia road in Jibia LGA.
Armed bandits, carrying AK-47 rifles, opened fire on a moving vehicle in an attempt to abduct its occupants.
“Acting on a tip-off, operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly responded and engaged the bandits in a gunfight.
The bandits were forced to flee with gunshot injuries, abandoning their mission.
All ten occupants of the vehicle were rescued unharmed,” Sadiq stated.
A similar incident took place later that evening, around 8:30 PM, at Marabar Bangori, along the Funtua–Gusau road in Faskari LGA.
Suspected armed bandits ambushed a passenger vehicle, but police operatives, alerted to the situation, quickly mobilized and confronted the bandits in another fierce gun battle.
The bandits, outgunned, fled the scene, and all passengers were rescued safely.
“Regrettably, one of the rescued victims suffered severe injuries due to assault by the bandits and was rushed to the hospital.
He is currently receiving treatment and is in stable condition,” Sadiq added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved.
He urged them to continue their efforts in combating crime and ensuring the safety of the state’s residents.
“The police command remains committed to securing the state and protecting its citizens from criminal elements,” Sadiq concluded.
