Katsina Police Foil Kidnapping Attempt, Rescue 18 Victims

In a dramatic turn of events on January 3rd, 2025, police in Katsina State thwarted a daring kidnapping attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway in Zamfara State, rescuing 18 victims from the hands of armed bandits. The rescue operation unfolded after a tip-off alerted authorities to a deadly ambush aimed at seizing the passengers of four vehicles.

At around 9:30 PM, the Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters received urgent reports of a violent ambush by suspected kidnappers armed with AK-47 rifles. The bandits opened fire indiscriminately on vehicles traveling along the highway. The targets included a maroon Toyota Avensis, a white DAF motor vehicle, a Pacars Canter, and another green DAF truck—each transporting multiple passengers.

The vehicles, which were on routes connecting various towns, were all attacked as part of the kidnappers’ attempt to seize the 18 occupants. But the police response was swift. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Faskari mobilized officers to the scene, where a fierce gun battle ensued with the armed bandits. The police successfully repelled the attack, rescuing all the victims unharmed.

The dramatic confrontation was a major success for the Katsina police force, who have been on high alert due to escalating criminal activities in the region. Police spokesman ASP Abubakar Sadiq confirmed the safe rescue of the victims in a statement released on Sunday, praising the courage of the officers involved.

The attack, however, was not the only incident of the night. At around 11:00 PM, a separate group of armed bandits launched an assault on Gidan Gada village in Katsina‘s Kafur Local Government Area, rustling a significant number of cattle. Local police forces from Kafur and Malumfashi quickly mobilized, tracing the criminals to Fanisau village. A gun battle ensued, resulting in the recovery of all the stolen livestock.

However, the operation came at a cost: the DPO of Kafur sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation and was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, he is reported to be in stable condition.

The Katsina police are now intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators behind both the kidnapping attempt and the cattle rustling. State Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, expressed his commendation for the bravery displayed by the officers and called on the public to continue supporting law enforcement with vital information.

“The police are committed to bringing the criminals to justice. We urge the community to stay vigilant and work with us to ensure the safety of our people,” said CP Musa.