In a commendable display of bravery, the Katsina State Police Command successfully thwarted two separate banditry incidents, rescuing 18 victims and recovering stolen livestock.
The incidents, which occurred on January 3, 2025, highlight the ongoing efforts of the Katsina police in maintaining security across the state.
According to the command spokesman, Sadiq Abubakar, armed bandits ambushed four vehicles travelling along the Funtua-Gusau highway; a maroon Toyota Avensis car heading to Yankara village and three others en route to Funtua from Gusau.
The attackers, wielding AK-47 rifles, attempted to kidnap the occupants of the vehicles.
Responding swiftly to a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Faskari mobilized his team to the scene. Following an intense exchange of gunfire, the officers successfully repelled the attackers and rescued all 18 passengers without harm.
Abubakar further added that later that evening, at about 11:00pm, suspected bandits struck again, this time targeting Gidan Gada village in Kafur local government area. The criminals rustled several cattle and attempted to escape.
Acting on intelligence, a combined team of officers from Kafur and Malumfashi Divisional Police Headquarters pursued the bandits to Fanisau village.
The officers engaged the bandits in another fierce gun battle, successfully recovering all the stolen livestock. However, during the operation, the DPO of Kafur sustained a gunshot wound. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is now in stable condition and responding to treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, praised the officers for their courage and commitment. He ordered a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators and urged residents to support security efforts by providing timely and accurate information.
