Katsina Police Command Thwarts Kidnapping, Saves Nine Lives in Daring Operation

A daring kidnapping attempt was foiled by the Katsina State Police Command, resulting in the rescue of nine victims. This successful operation was carried out following a swift response to an attack that occurred along the Katsina–Kankara highway. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the incident took place on Thursday at approximately 2:30 p.m. when a group of suspected armed bandits blocked the Katsina–Kankara Road at Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area. The bandits intercepted a red Volkswagen Golf III saloon car with registration number KMC 400 MK, which was being driven by 40-year-old Aliyu, also known as 'Maitakabari'. The vehicle was conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when it was attacked. Upon receiving information about the incident, the DPO Kankara mobilised a team of police operatives, including the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene. The operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing the hoodlums to flee due to the team's superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres. While combing the area, the operatives rescued nine of the victims unhurt. However, two persons – Buhari Kabir and the driver, Aliyu – were still missing as of the time of filing this report. A search and rescue operation is ongoing to locate the missing victims and apprehend the fleeing suspects. The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and reaffirmed the command's commitment to tackling banditry and other violent crimes in the state.