The Katsina State Police Command successfully averted three different kidnapping attempts by armed bandits in Danmusa and Faskari local government areas on October 7, 2024. These daring rescue operations led to the safe recovery of eight people, all of whom were unharmed during the incidents.
In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, outlined the sequence of events. He explained that the first attack took place around 11 am when bandits targeted two women on the outskirts of Matarau village in Danmusa Local Government Area. The bandits tried to abduct the women, but police intervention prevented the crime from being successful.
Around the same time, a distress call was received at the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters, alerting the authorities to another kidnapping attempt. This second incident occurred at about 10:30 am, when bandits blocked the Marabar Bangori-Unguwar Boka section of the Funtua-Gusau road and abducted four travelers. The bandits held the victims captive as they tried to flee, but once again, quick action by the police foiled their plan.
Later in the day, at around 2:30 pm, another group of bandits struck along the Yankara-Faskari road. This time, they blocked the Unguwar Kafa junction and managed to abduct two women and their children. However, the police, already alerted by previous incidents, quickly responded to this attack as well. They engaged the bandits in a gunfight, forcing the criminals to abandon their hostages and escape.
In all three cases, the bandits fled with gunshot wounds, leaving behind the kidnapped victims, who were rescued without injury. ASP Sadiq praised the swift and coordinated actions of the police teams that responded to each attack, noting that their bravery and commitment were crucial in ensuring the safety of the victims.
The Commissioner of Police, in his remarks, commended the officers involved for their courage and professionalism. He reaffirmed the police command’s dedication to fighting crime and protecting the lives of the people of Katsina State, stating that the fight against banditry remains a top priority.