The Katsina State Police Command has thwarted a kidnap attempt involving four commercial vehicles along the Funtua-Katsina-Gusau highway, rescuing 18 passengers, and recovering stolen cattle in a separate operation.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the incidents occurred on January 3, 2025.
“At about 9:30 pm, information reached the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters about an ambush on four vehicles by suspected armed bandits wielding AK-47 rifles along the Funtua to Gusau highway. The attackers fired sporadically in an attempt to abduct the occupants,” he said.
The vehicles targeted were a maroon Toyota Avensis traveling from Batsari to Yankara, a white DAF truck, a Pacars Canter, and a green DAF vehicle—all transporting a total of 18 passengers.
Sadiq noted, “The DPO of Faskari Division swiftly deployed officers to the scene, leading to a gunfight with the bandits. The operatives successfully repelled the attack and rescued all 18 passengers unharmed.”
In a separate operation later that night, at around 11 pm, suspected bandits raided Gidan Gada village in Kafur Local Government Area, rustling cattle. Joint efforts by officers from Kafur and Malumfashi Divisional Police Headquarters tracked the suspects to Fanisau village, where they engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
“All the stolen animals were recovered. However, the DPO of Kafur sustained a gunshot wound during the operation and was immediately taken to a hospital. He is currently responding to treatment,” Sadiq stated.
The police assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, praised the officers for their bravery and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies. “We encourage the public to provide timely information that can aid in proactive and decisive action against criminal elements,” he said.
