Police Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Bandits in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has rescued nine kidnapped passengers following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits along the Katsina-Kankara Road in Kankara Local Government Area.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, explaining that the victims were freed after police operatives successfully confronted the kidnappers and forced them to abandon their captives.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. when suspected armed bandits blocked the Katsina-Kankara Road near Tashar Kanya Village and attacked a commercial vehicle transporting passengers from Dandume to Katsina.

The attackers reportedly intercepted a red Volkswagen Golf III saloon car driven by 40-year-old Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari,” and abducted all 11 occupants of the vehicle.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kankara swiftly deployed a joint team of security operatives, including personnel from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

On arrival, the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Faced with the superior firepower and tactical response of the police, the bandits fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind several of their captives.

A subsequent search operation led to the successful rescue of nine victims without injuries.

The rescued passengers were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, Rakkiya Ya’u, Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud, Jumai Majarazu, Salamatu Adamu, Yusuf Halliru, Harira Hamisu, Umma Kabir, and three-year-old Nusaiba Majarazu.

However, two victims — the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and Buhari Kabir — are still missing.

Police authorities said an intensive search-and-rescue operation is ongoing to locate and safely recover the remaining victims while tracking down and arresting the fleeing suspects.

Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, praised their courage, professionalism, and commitment to duty.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.