By Abdullahi Inuwa
Armed bandits suffered another setback in Katsina State after police operatives foiled separate kidnapping and cattle rustling operations, rescuing two abducted women unharmed and forcing the fleeing attackers to abandon their mission.
The coordinated operations, carried out in Kankia and Charanchi Local Government Areas, underscored the renewed offensive by the Katsina State Police Command against criminal gangs terrorising rural communities.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the first operation took place on July 11 when heavily armed bandits riding on three motorcycles stormed Jauga Settlement in Sabon Gida Village, Kankia LGA, abducting two young women.
Acting on a distress call received at about 11:45 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankia swiftly deployed operatives to the scene. The officers engaged the gunmen in a fierce exchange of fire, forcing the attackers to retreat into the bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
The bandits abandoned their captives during the encounter, leading to the safe rescue of 20-year-old Rukayya Yahaya and 22-year-old Sahura Abdulhadi, both of whom were reunited with their families without sustaining injuries.
Barely two days later, police recorded another major success when armed bandits attempted to invade Majen Waya Village in Charanchi LGA to rustle cattle.
The DPO immediately dispatched an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol team, which intercepted the criminals before they could make away with any livestock.
The ensuing gun battle forced the attackers to flee into nearby bushes with suspected bullet wounds, abandoning their plans.
Police confirmed that no lives were lost and not a single cow was stolen, while normalcy has since returned to the community. Tactical patrols have also been intensified to prevent further attacks.
The Command said security operatives are currently trailing the fleeing suspects with a view to bringing them to justice.
Commending the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the officers, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain aggressive operations against banditry and other violent crimes across the state.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with prompt and credible intelligence, stressing that community collaboration remains crucial to defeating criminal elements.
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