The Katsina State Police Command has foiled separate kidnapping and cattle rustling attempts in Funtua and Musawa Local Government Areas, rescuing a kidnapped victim and recovering 15 rustled cows during coordinated security operations.
The command disclosed that the successful operations were carried out following credible intelligence and prompt responses by police operatives working alongside local security outfits.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, revealed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Katsina.
According to him, the most recent operation was carried out on Sunday after intelligence reports indicated that suspected armed bandits were moving rustled cattle through the border communities between Funtua and Dandume Local Government Areas.
He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Central Police Station in Funtua immediately mobilised a team of operatives to intercept the suspects.
On reaching the area, the operatives reportedly came under attack from the bandits, who opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest.
The police team responded with superior firepower, forcing the armed suspects to flee into a nearby forest.
Following the exchange of gunfire, security personnel searched the area and successfully rescued a kidnapped woman identified as Hafiza Rabiu.
The victim, who was rescued unharmed, was later taken for medical examination before being reunited with her family.
Police operatives also recovered seven rustled cows abandoned by the fleeing bandits.
Sadiq-Aliyu disclosed that the latest operation followed another successful intervention carried out on July 17 in Musawa Local Government Area.
He explained that the command received a distress call reporting that armed bandits had invaded Kuru Village and rustled several cattle belonging to residents.
According to him, the DPO of the Musawa Division, working in collaboration with personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, swiftly mobilised to the affected community and pursued the suspects into a nearby bush.
The police spokesman said the armed bandits opened fire on the security team during the pursuit.
However, the operatives returned fire, overpowering the suspects and forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock before escaping into the surrounding forest.
During the operation, security personnel recovered eight cows.
Sadiq-Aliyu said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage, commended the courage, professionalism and commitment displayed by the officers involved.
He also appreciated members of the public for providing timely and credible information that assisted the command in carrying out the operations successfully.
The commissioner urged residents of the state to continue supporting the police and other security agencies with useful intelligence capable of strengthening efforts to combat kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Katsina State.
