The Katsina State Police Command has rescued 28 kidnapped victims and foiled two separate attacks by armed bandits in Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state.
The command made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu. He said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to fight insecurity, especially banditry and kidnapping, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu.
According to the statement, the first incident happened on Monday, July 29, around 9:24 a.m., when bandits blocked the Sabuwa–Kaya road near Inno Junction and abducted about 14 passengers. The police received a distress call and quickly moved in. They engaged the attackers in a gun battle and rescued all 14 victims unharmed. However, one person, 27-year-old Abba from Funtua, was killed during the attack.
The second incident occurred a day earlier, on Sunday, July 28, around 11:27 p.m., when bandits stormed Zagaizagi village in the same local government. The police again responded promptly and rescued another 14 people after exchanging gunfire with the attackers. Two rustled cows were also recovered. Unfortunately, two residents lost their lives during the attack.
DSP Aliyu said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing bandits.
Commissioner Bello Shehu praised the bravery of the police operatives and urged residents to keep sharing timely and useful information to support security efforts in the state.