At least 18 individuals were rescued on Saturday when the Katsina State Police Command prevented a kidnapping attempt involving four commercial vehicles on the highway connecting Funtua-Katsina to Gusau, Zamfara State.

Additionally, the command disrupted an attempt at cattle rustling and managed to recover the stolen livestock.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed this occurrence in a statement issued to the press late on Saturday.

According to him, on January 3rd, 2025, at approximately 2130 hours, the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters received intelligence regarding armed bandits, armed with AK-47 rifles and firing indiscriminately, who had ambushed four vehicles along the Funtua to Gusau highway.

The vehicles involved included a maroon Toyota Avensis travelling from Batsari to Yankara village, a white DAF truck, a Pacars Canter truck, and a green DAF vehicle, all making their way from Gusau to Funtua. The suspected kidnappers targeted these vehicles in an effort to abduct the passengers on board.

“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO of Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene, where a gunfight ensued. The team successfully repelled the armed bandits’ attack and rescued all 18 victims unharmed, the statement noted.

It added that on the same date, at about 11 pm, suspected armed bandits attacked Gidan Gada village in Kafur LGA, Katsina State, rustling a number of cattle.

“Upon receipt of the report, the DPOs of Kafur and Malumfashi Divisional Police Headquarters jointly mobilised and traced the suspected armed bandits to Fanisau village, where they engaged the bandits in a gun battle, successfully recovering all the rustled animals.

“Unfortunately, the DPO of Kafur sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. He is currently responding to treatment,” the statement continued.

The police mouthpiece further noted that efforts are underway to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, psc+, while commending the exceptional bravery displayed by the officers, urged members of the public to continue supporting the command and other security agencies in the state with timely information for prompt and decisive action,” Sadiq added.

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