11 Kidnap victims freed in Katsina after gun battle with security operatives

By Zubairu Idris

A coordinated security operation has thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 abducted individuals in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, the rescue occurred late Sunday night during a routine patrol by a joint team of security personnel.

The team included officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), Community Watch Corps, and local vigilante groups.

“At approximately 10:30 p.m. on June 8, the security team encountered a group of armed bandits attempting to escape with kidnapped victims along the Danmusa-Mara Dangeza village road,” Aliyu stated. “A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives.”

The 11 rescued victims—nine women and two men—had reportedly been abducted from different locations across the state, including Damawa village in Kankara Local Government, Bakam in Musawa, and Danmusa town.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Shehu, praised the security personnel for their swift response and tactical coordination, which ensured the safe recovery of the victims.

Shehu reaffirmed the police command’s ongoing commitment to working in synergy with other security agencies to tackle the persistent threat of banditry and kidnapping in the region.

He also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement. (NAN)