By Danjuma Michael, Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command said it has foiled a kidnapping attempt by suspected bandits and rescued 11 victims after an exchange of gunfire with the hoodlums.

A statement by a spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on May 18, at about 4:45 pm along the Sheme-Kankara road in Kankara council area.

Similarly, the command said it foiled another attempt, on the same day, by suspected bandits who rustled 25 cows at Badawa community, in Malumfashi council area.

The statement said the incident occurred at about 8:50 pm, and that all the rustled animals were recovered during an operation by the command.

According to the statement, the command “has recorded major operational successes with the foiling of a kidnapping attempt and cattle rustling, resulting in the rescue of 11 victims and the recovery of 25 cows.

“On May 18th, 2026, at about 8:45 pm, the Divisional Police Officer, Kankara Division, received a distress call that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Sheme-Kankara Road at Kakumi Village, Kankara LGA.

“The bandits intercepted an unregistered Toyota Hiace bus conveying 11 passengers to Kano and abducted all the occupants.

“Operatives led by the DPO swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Overpowered by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned the victims and fled the scene.

“All 11 abducted passengers were rescued unhurt as intensive bush combing is being sustained to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.

“Similarly, at about 8:50 pm, on the same date, the command received a distress call that suspected armed bandits wielding dangerous weapons attacked Badawa Village, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State, rustling 25 cows in the process.

“DPO Malumfashi quickly mobilised APC patrol teams to the scene and intercepted the bandits along a suspected escape route on the outskirts of the village.

“Following an exchange of gunfire, the bandits abandoned the cattle and escaped the scene. All 25 cows were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

“Security has been reinforced in the area with ongoing patrols and surveillance for the possible arrest of the fleeing suspects,” the statement added.