…..Bandits flee gun battle as one is killed, another captured in Bakori
By Abdullahi Inuwa
Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have dealt a major blow to a suspected bandit gang after foiling a kidnapping operation in Bakori Local Government Area, rescuing two victims and recovering an AK-47 rifle with 24 rounds of ammunition.
The daring operation, which unfolded in the early hours of Friday, also saw one suspected bandit neutralised and another injured suspect arrested, while five rustled animals were recovered from the criminals.
The police said the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received at the Bakori Divisional Police Headquarters at about 4:30 a.m. on August 7, 2026.
According to the Command, the information revealed that suspected armed bandits were moving from Tamarke Village in Tsiga District, Bakori LGA, towards Ganzaki Hill in Malumfashi LGA with two kidnapped victims and rustled animals.
Rather than allow the suspects to escape, the Divisional Police Officer in Bakori immediately mobilised police operatives and local vigilantes and moved to intercept the gang.
The security team eventually caught up with the suspects, leading to a fierce gun battle between both sides.
Unable to withstand the pressure, the bandits were forced to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.
The two kidnapped victims were subsequently rescued unhurt.
In the aftermath of the encounter, the security team recovered an AK-47 rifle and 24 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Five rustled animals and a Tecno keypad mobile phone were also recovered from the scene.
Determined to ensure that the fleeing criminals did not escape completely, the operatives embarked on an intensive search of the surrounding bushes.
The operation paid off as one suspected bandit, who sustained injuries during the encounter, was arrested.
Police also recovered the body of another suspected bandit who was neutralised during the confrontation.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the gang who fled the scene and recover the remaining rustled animals.
The latest success has further highlighted the importance of timely intelligence and collaboration between security agencies and local communities in confronting banditry and kidnapping in Katsina State.
Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, commended the police personnel and local vigilantes who participated in the operation for their courage, professionalism and swift response.
He equally applauded members of the public for providing the information that enabled the security team to move against the criminals before they could complete their operation.
The Commissioner assured residents that the Command would sustain its offensive against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities across the state.
He called for continued cooperation from residents, stressing that credible and timely information remains critical to preventing attacks and protecting communities.
The police, meanwhile, said investigation into the incident is continuing, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding rustled animals.
For the Katsina Police Command, the message is clear: criminal gangs attempting to turn the state into a playground will continue to face determined resistance from security forces and their community partners.
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