Police operatives in Katsina have successfully thwarted two kidnapping attempts in Jibia and Faskari Local Government Areas (LGAs), rescuing 20 hostages in a series of intense operations.
This was disclosed in a statement from ASP Abubakar Sidiq Aliyu, Police Public Relations Officer, Katsina State Police Command.
Part of the statement read: “The first incident occurred on December 7th, 2024, at about 1900 hrs, at Kwanar Makera along the Katsina–Magamar Jibia road, Jibia LGA, where a group of armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles, opened fire on a moving vehicle attempting to abduct the occupants.
“However, operatives of the command attached to the Jibia divisional police headquarters, acting on a tip-off, swiftly 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.
“In a similar incident, on the same date at about 2030 hrs, at Marabar Bangori, along the Funtua–Gusau road, Faskari LGA, suspected armed bandits laid ambush on a motor vehicle conveying passengers.
The command’s operatives, who were alerted to 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.”
ASP Aliyu said the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the officers.
He added that the commissioner charged them to sustain the tempo in the ongoing fight against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.
