The Katsina State Police Command successfully thwarted separate kidnapping and cattle rustling operations in Kankia and Charanchi Local Government Areas, rescuing two abducted women without injury. The police public relations officer, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Katsina.
Kidnapping Foiled in Kankia LGA
The first incident occurred on Saturday at about 11:45 a.m. when armed bandits riding three motorcycles attacked Jauga settlement in Sabon Gida Village, Kankia LGA, and abducted two women. Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankia immediately mobilized operatives to the scene. The operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into a nearby bush with suspected gunshot wounds and abandoning the victims.
The rescued victims were identified as 20-year-old Rukayya Yahaya and 22-year-old Sahura Abdulhadi, both residents of the community. According to Mr Sadiq-Aliyu, no life was lost during the operation.
Cattle Rustling Attempt Thwarted in Charanchi LGA
On Monday, the command foiled an attempted cattle-rustling attack in Majen Waya Village, Charanchi LGA. The incident occurred at about 10 a.m. when suspected armed bandits invaded the village with the intention of rustling cattle. The DPO in Charanchi promptly deployed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team, which confronted the hoodlums in a gun duel.
“The bandits were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the operatives and fled into the bush with suspected bullet wounds. No life was lost, and no cattle were rustled during the operation. Normalcy has been restored to the area, while aggressive tactical patrols are ongoing,” Mr Sadiq-Aliyu said. He added that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Police Commissioner Commends Operatives
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage, commended the gallantry and swift response of the operatives. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. The commissioner also urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to enhance security and facilitate prompt responses to criminal activities.
