Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue nine victims in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt, rescuing nine individuals who were targeted by armed bandits on the Katsina–Kankara highway. The swift response by law enforcement prevented a larger tragedy, though two people remain missing.

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Upon receiving the information, the DPO Kankara mobilised a team of police operatives, including the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when suspected bandits blocked the highway near Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area. They intercepted a red Volkswagen Golf III saloon car, registration number KMC 400 MK, which was transporting 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina. The driver, identified as Aliyu, also known as “Maitakabari,” was among those on board.

Upon receiving intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kankara mobilized a team, including operatives from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU). The police engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle. Authorities reported that the operatives' superior firepower and tactical maneuvers forced the assailants to flee the scene.

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The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Due to the team’s superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, the hoodlums were forced to flee the scene.

During a subsequent search of the area, nine of the victims were found and rescued unharmed. However, two individuals, identified as Buhari Kabir and the driver Aliyu, are still unaccounted for. A search and rescue operation is currently underway to locate them and apprehend the fleeing suspects. The state's Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their rapid response and reiterated the command's dedication to combating banditry and violent crime.

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While combing the area, the operatives rescued nine of the victims unhurt.