Police thwart twin kidnap attempts, rescue 20 passengers in Katsina

Policemen

Anti-riot policemen

By Zubairu Idris

The Katsina State Police Command has successfully thwarted two kidnap attempts, rescuing 20 passengers in Jibia and Faskari Local Government Areas.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Katsina.

The first incident occurred on Saturday at about 7 p.m. at Kwanar Makera on the Katsina–Magamar Jibia road, Jibia Local Government Area.

According to Aliyu, armed bandits wielding AK-47 rifles opened fire on a moving vehicle in an attempt to abduct its occupants.

“Operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on a tip-off, swiftly responded and engaged the bandits in a gunfight,” the statement read.

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The confrontation forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene with gunshot injuries. “All 10 occupants of the vehicle were successfully rescued unharmed,” Aliyu said.

In a similar operation later that night, at about 10:30 p.m., suspected bandits ambushed a vehicle carrying 10 passengers at Marabar Bangori on the Funtua–Gusau Road in Faskari Local Government Area.

The police, upon receiving an alert, promptly mobilised to the location and engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle.

“Due to superior firepower, the bandits fled the scene, abandoning their plans. All the passengers were rescued. Unfortunately, one of the victims sustained severe injuries inflicted by the bandits and was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently responding to treatment,” Aliyu stated.

The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, commended the officers for their bravery and professionalism. He urged them to maintain their dedication in the ongoing fight against crime in the state.

Abubakar-Musa reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. (NAN)

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