Police authorities in Katsina State have rescued seven kidnap victims and also recovered some exhibits from them.

The spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command Abubakar Aliyu said the move followed two operations from the police authorities.

“Today, August 14th, 2024, at about 0430hrs, a distress call was received at the Danmusa Divisional Police Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits attacked Yan Shantuma village, Danmusa LGA, where they kidnapped three (3) persons, rustled twenty-three (23) goats, and robbed the villagers of foodstuff and some valuables,” he said in a statement.

“Upon receipt of the report, promptly, the DPO Danmusa mobilized police operatives in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and responded to the scene. The team ambushed the assailants at Tashar Ice village while trying to escape with the victims, where a firefight ensued, resulting in the assailants fleeing the scene with gunshot injuries as all the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and stolen items recovered.”

According to him, in another operation a day earlier, the police at Safana Divisional Police Headquarters got information about an abandoned vehicle by the roadside with its occupants suspected to have been kidnapped.

“Quickly, the DPO mobilised a search and rescue team to the scene where the surrounding bushes were rigorously combed. Four (4) occupants of the abandoned vehicle were successfully rescued following a fierce gun duel with the suspected kidnappers and rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” he said. “Efforts are being intensified with a view to arresting the fleeing as the investigation proceeds.”

Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Aliyu Abubakar Musa commended the officers for their efforts, charging them to keep up with the tempo.

AFP