By Our Reporter | Katsina Times

The Katsina State Police Command has foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Sabuwa Local Government Area, successfully rescuing 28 abducted victims, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.

In a statement released on Tuesday, DSP Aliyu said the first incident occurred on July 29, 2025, at about 9:24 a.m., when armed bandits blocked the Sabuwa–Kaya road near Inno Junction and abducted 14 commuters. A distress call from a good Samaritan prompted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Sabuwa to swiftly mobilise personnel to the scene.

“On arrival, the police engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle. The superior firepower of the operatives forced the criminals to flee, leading to the successful rescue of all 14 victims unhurt,” DSP Aliyu said.

However, one of the victims, identified as Abba, 27, from Funtua town, was killed by the bandits during the attack.

In another operation, on the night of July 28 at about 11:27 p.m., armed bandits attacked Zagaizagi village, also in Sabuwa LGA, and kidnapped several residents. According to the police, operatives responded immediately after receiving a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, which led to the rescue of another 14 victims and the recovery of two rustled cows.

“Regrettably, two persons were killed by the bandits during the Zagaizagi attack,” the PPRO added.

DSP Aliyu stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. He also conveyed the commendation of the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, to the officers involved for their courage and swift action.

The CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.