The Katsina State Police Command has said it successfully foiled a bandit attack and rescued four abducted victims at Makwanta village, in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

A statement by spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occured on Wednesday, September 16, at about 12:22 am.

Aliyu said three women and a nursing baby who were abducted were rescued, while an operational weapon along with exhibits, including substance suspected to be Indian hemp, were recovered.

“On September 16, 2026, at approximately 12:22 am, a distress call was received at the Dutsinma Divisional Police Headquarters reporting that armed bandits had attacked Makwanta village and abducted three female residents.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised a team of operatives to the scene. The team strategically tracked and blocked the fleeing bandits along the Dutsinma – Danmusa LGA border and engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel.

“Overpowered by the superior firepower and tactics, the bandits fled into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.

“All four kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt: Marawiya Musa, female, aged 14 years; Mariya Ibrahim, female, aged 50 years; Amina Ibrahim, female, aged 21 years; and a nursing baby.

“During a thorough search and scanning of the scene, police operatives recovered the following exhibits: one AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition; one Tecno handset; three mp3 players; one knife; three wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

“Efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Fage, commended the DPO and his team for their gallantry, tactical precision, and swift response.

“He reaffirmed the command’s relentless dedication to sustaining the onslaught against banditry and violent crime across the state.

“The command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing timely, actionable intelligence to assist law enforcement in safeguarding lives and property.”