The Katsina State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing fight against banditry, rescuing a kidnapped woman and recovering 15 rustled cattle during separate operations carried out in Funtua and Musawa Local Government Areas of the state.
The successful operations, which followed intelligence-led interventions and swift tactical responses by security personnel, dealt a setback to armed bandits operating in the affected communities.
In a statement issued on Monday in Katsina, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said the first operation was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence on Sunday that suspected bandits were moving stolen cattle through routes linking Funtua and Dandume Local Government Areas.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Central Police Station in Funtua immediately deployed a team of operatives to intercept the suspects.
Upon arrival at the location, the officers reportedly came under attack as the bandits opened fire. The police team responded decisively, engaging the criminals and forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest.
A subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim, identified as Hafiza Rabiu, who was found unharmed. The operatives also recovered seven rustled cows abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Sadiq-Aliyu said the rescued victim was taken for medical examination before being reunited with her family.
The police spokesman disclosed that a similar operation was carried out on July 17 following a distress call reporting an attack by armed bandits on Kuru Village in Musawa Local Government Area, where cattle were stolen.
He explained that the DPO of Musawa Division, working alongside members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, quickly mobilised and pursued the suspects into a nearby bush.
The security team encountered resistance as the bandits opened fire, but the officers and community watch personnel responded effectively, compelling the criminals to abandon the stolen livestock and flee.
The operation resulted in the recovery of eight cows, while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage, praised their courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also acknowledged the vital role played by residents who provided timely and credible information that aided the success of the operations.
The police commissioner urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in sustaining the fight against banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
The latest successes underscore ongoing efforts by security operatives and local stakeholders to curb insecurity and restore confidence in communities affected by criminal attacks in Katsina State.
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