By ABBAS BAMALLI

The Katsina State Police Command says it has foiled attempted kidnappings and cattle rustling in Kankara and Malumfashi Local Government Areas.

The command also said it rescued 11 kidnapped passengers and recovered 25 rustled cows.

Command spokesman DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Katsina.

He said the first incident occurred on Monday at about 8:45 p.m. when the Divisional Police Officer of Kankara Division received a distress call that armed bandits had blocked the Sheme-Kankara Road at Kakumi Village.

“The bandits intercepted an unregistered Toyota Hiace bus carrying 11 passengers to Kano and abducted all of them.

“Police operatives led by the DPO swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.

“The bandits were overpowered by the superior firepower of our operatives and fled, abandoning the victims,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

He said all the 11 abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts were ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.

The spokesman said in a separate incident at about 8:50p.m. the same day, the command received a distress call that bandits had attacked Badawa Village in Malumfashi LGA and rustled 25 cows.

“The DPO of Malumfashi Division mobilised Armoured Personnel Carrier patrol teams and intercepted the suspects along their escape route on the outskirts of the village.

“After an exchange of gunfire, the bandits abandoned the cows and escaped.

“All the 25 recovered cows have been returned to their owners, and security has been reinforced through sustained patrols and surveillance,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ali Umar-Fage commended the operatives for their gallantry, swift response, and professionalism.

He assured residents that the command would sustain offensive operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes across the state.

“I urge members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support security agencies in tackling crime,” Fage said. (NAN)

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