Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have rescued a 16-year-old kidnapped girl after foiling an attempted abduction and cattle rustling operation by suspected armed bandits along the boundary between Funtua and Dandume Local Government Areas.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 2:00 a.m. on July 19 indicating that a group of suspected bandits was attempting to move across the Funtua–Dandume axis with rustled livestock.

Acting on the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of the Central Police Station, Funtua, led an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) tactical patrol team to the area, where officers strategically blocked suspected escape routes and intercepted the armed suspects.

A prolonged gun battle ensued, forcing the bandits to flee into the bush with suspected gunshot wounds, while the rustled livestock scattered in different directions.

During the operation, the tactical team rescued Hafiza Rabiu, 16, of Babban Gida Village in Danja Local Government Area, who was found unharmed. Preliminary investigation revealed that she had earlier been abducted from her community.

The victim was taken to the General Hospital, Funtua, for medical evaluation.

Police said aggressive bush-combing and clearance operations are ongoing to recover the scattered livestock and track down the fleeing suspects. Investigation into the incident is also continuing. (Zagazola)