Katsina Police foil kidnap attempt, rescue 11 people, 25 cows
The Katsina State Police Command has saved 11 passengers when its operatives foiled a kidnap attempt by bandits who blocked the Sheme-Kankara Road at Kakumi Village, Kankara LGA.
In a statement on Tuesday by the command spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, police operatives also recovered 25 cows from cattle rustlers.
“On May 18th, 2026, at about 8:45 pm, the Divisional Police Officer, Kankara Division, received a distress call that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Sheme-Kankara Road at Kakumi Village, Kankara LGA. The bandits intercepted an unregistered Toyota Hiace bus conveying 11 passengers to Kano and abducted all the occupants.
“Operatives led by the DPO swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Overpowered by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned the victims and fled the scene.
“All 11 abducted passengers were rescued unhurt as intensive bush combing is being sustained to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“Similarly, at about 8:50 pm, on the same date, the command received a distress call that suspected armed bandits wielding dangerous weapons attacked Badawa Village, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State, rustling 25 cows in the process.
“DPO Malumfashi quickly mobilised APC patrol teams to the scene and intercepted the bandits along a suspected escape route on the outskirts of the village.
“Following an exchange of gunfire, the bandits abandoned the cattle and escaped the scene. All 25 cows were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
“Security has been reinforced in the area with ongoing patrols and surveillance for the possible arrest of the fleeing suspects,” the statement added.
It said that the state Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, has commended the gallantry, swift response, and professionalism displayed by the operatives involved in the operations.
He assured the public that the command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across the state.
It urged the general public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations to rid the state of criminals.
