The Katsina State Police Command thwarted a kidnapping attempt and successfully rescued nine passengers after responding swiftly to an attack on the Katsina–Kankara highway.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, and made available to journalists in Katsina on Saturday.
The statement explained that the incident took place on Thursday at approximately 2:30 p.m. when suspected armed bandits barricaded the Katsina–Kankara Road near Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area and stopped a red Volkswagen Golf III saloon car.
The vehicle, bearing registration number KMC 400 MK, was being driven by 40-year-old Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.” He was transporting 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the attackers struck.
“Upon receiving the information, the DPO Kankara mobilised a team of police operatives, including the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.
“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,” the statement added.
During a search of the surrounding area, the police rescued nine victims without injuries.
However, two individuals — Buhari Kabir and the driver, Aliyu — remained unaccounted for at the time of reporting.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing persons and arrest the fleeing suspects through an active search-and-rescue operation.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, praised the operatives for their prompt action and reiterated the command’s determination to combat banditry and other violent crimes across the state.
