Maha Christopher
The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine victims following an attack by suspected bandits along the Katsina–Kankara highway.
According to The Punch, the incident occurred on Thursday at about 2:30 p.m. at Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area when armed bandits reportedly blocked the road and intercepted a vehicle carrying passengers to Katsina.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the command said the targeted vehicle, a red Volkswagen Golf III saloon car with registration number KMC 400 MK, was being driven by a 40 year old man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.”
The vehicle was conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when it came under attack.
Upon receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer of Kankara mobilised a team of operatives, including personnel from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit, to the scene.
The police engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee due to what the command described as the operatives’ superior firepower and tactical response.
Following a search of the area, nine victims were rescued unharmed.
However, two individuals, identified as the driver, Aliyu, and one passenger, Buhari Kabir, were still unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report.
Police said efforts are ongoing to locate the missing persons and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating banditry and other violent crimes across the state.
