Police foil bandits’ attack, rescue seven victims in Katsina 

The Katsina Police Command has foiled an attack by suspected bandits and rescued seven abducted victims in two separate operations at Danmusa and Safana Local Councils of the state. 

A statement by the spokesperson for the command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, said the Danmusa incident occurred on August 14 at about 4:30 p.m.], while that of Safana happened on August 13 at about 6:50 p.m. 
   
Aliyu explained: “A distress call was received at the Danmusa Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits attacked Yan Shantuma village, Danmusa LGA, where they kidnapped three persons, rustled 23 goats, and robbed the villagers of food stuffs and some valuables.
 
“Upon receipt of the report, promptly, the DPO Danmusa mobilised police operatives in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and responded to the scene. 
 
“The team ambushed the assailants at Tashar Ice village while trying to escape with the victims, where a firefight ensued, resulting in the assailants fleeing the scene with gunshot injuries, as all the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and stolen items recovered.
  
“Consequently, on August 13, 2024, at about 1850 hrs, information was received at Safana Divisional Police Headquarters that a Volkswagen Golf II wagon loaded with goods was seen abandoned by the roadside at Gobirawa village along Gora-Runka road with its occupants suspected to have been kidnapped.

“Quickly, the DPO mobilised a search and rescue team to the scene where the surrounding bushes were rigorously combed. Four occupants of the abandoned vehicle were successfully rescued following a fierce gun duel with the suspected kidnappers and rushed to the hospital for medical attention. 
  
“Efforts are being intensified with a view to arresting the fleeing (attackers) as the investigation proceeds. The spokesperson added: “While praising the operatives’ professionalism and bravery, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, urged the officers to sustain the tempo, and called on good citizens of the state to keep providing the command and other security agencies with crucial and timely information on criminal activities so that swift and decisive action could be taken to stop any criminal activity in the state.”