21 Abductees Rescued In Katsina As Police Repel Attack In Kebbi

Security operatives rescued 21 kidnap victims during a coordinated operation in Katsina State at the weekend.

This is contained in a statement issued by the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, in Katsina yesterday.

He said the rescue followed an intelligence-led mission carried out in Dargaza Hills, Danmusa local government area by the Army, DSS, police and the Community Watch Corps.

He added that the victims comprised 16 women, two men and three babies who were reportedly abducted from Gidan Sarkin Bayero Village in Musawa local government area and other locations.

According to him, four suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.

The mission targeted the hideout of a suspected bandit leader, Kamilu Chiroma, also known as Buzaru.

In a related development, police in Kebbi State yesterday confirmed an attack by bandits on security operatives along the Maje border road in Bagudo local government area of the state at the weekend.

The command’s spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, who disclosed this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi, said the incident occurred on at about 9:45 p.m. on Friday when the bandits advanced under the cover of darkness, moving with a herd of cattle to conceal their approach.

According to him, operatives of the Police Counter Terrorism Unit who were on alert, swiftly engaged the attackers and forced them to retreat.

Usman added that although some temporary security structures were damaged during the encounter, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.

He said security along the border had since been reinforced, while the area remained calm and fully under control.

He quoted the commissioner of police in the state, Umar Mohammed-Hadeija, as urging residents, particularly herders and livestock owners, to desist from moving cattle at night in ways that could be exploited by criminal elements.

According to the commissioner, security agencies will take firm and lawful action against any suspicious movement or unlawful activities linked to night grazing.