The Katsina Police Command has foiled kidnap attempts and rescued 20 passengers in Jibia and Faskari local government areas of the state.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s public relations officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, on Sunday in Katsina.

“The first incident occurred on Saturday at about 7:00 p.m., at Kwanar Makera on Katsina–Magamar Jibia road, Jibia Local Government Area.

“A group of bandits, armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles, opened fire on a moving vehicle with an attempt to abduct the occupants,” he said.

Mr Aliyu said operatives attached to the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on a tip-off, swiftly responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.

He added that this forced the bandits to abandon their mission and flee the scene with gunshot injuries.

“The 10 occupants of the vehicle were successfully rescued unhurt.

”Similarly, on the same day, at about 10:30 p.m., at Marabar Bangori, on Funtua–Gusau Road, Faskari LGA, suspected bandits laid ambush on a motor vehicle conveying 10 passengers,” Mr Aliyu said.

According to him, the command’s operatives, who were alerted, quickly mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel.

“Due to superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their heinous plan as they fled the scene, and all the passengers were successfully rescued.

“Unfortunately, one of the rescued victims was rushed to the hospital due to severe injuries inflicted on him by the bandits, where he is currently responding to treatment,” he said.

Mr Aliyu said the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the officers.

He further charged them to sustain the tempo in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality.

Mr Abubakar-Musa also reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state’s people.

(NAN)