The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued 14 victims on Sunday evening, the command spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said in a statement on Monday.
He stated that the incident occurred at Dan’arau village along Magama-Jibia road in Jibia local government area of the state.
“They opened fire on two commercial vehicles, creating chaos in an attempt to abduct the occupants of the vehicles,” Abubakar added.
He however said that the prompt response of policemen from Jibia division saved the situation.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia LGA, leading a team of operatives, responded swiftly to the distress call. The police engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, successfully thwarting the kidnap attempt and rescued 14 victims from the scene.”
“Unfortunately, two of the rescued individuals sustained gunshot injuries and were immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment. Tragically, one of the victims succumbed to injuries despite receiving medical attention.”
He assured that efforts were on to apprehend the fleeing bandits.
Abubakar said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, has hailed the officers involved in the operation for their exceptional bravery and commitment to duty.
He emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum, and urged citizens to provide timely information about suspicious criminals around them to the police.
The commissioner pledged the command’s dedication to the safety and security of all law abiding residents, but advised everyone to remain vigilant.
