The Katsina State Police Command has successfully prevented separate kidnap and cattle rustling attempts in Funtua and Musawa Local Government Areas, rescuing a kidnapped victim and recovering a total of 15 stolen cows during coordinated security operations.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu.
According to him, the most recent operation followed credible intelligence received on Sunday indicating that suspected armed bandits were moving rustled cattle through the border communities between Funtua and Dandume Local Government Areas.
Acting swiftly on the information, the Divisional Police Officer of the Central Police Station in Funtua deployed a team of operatives to the area.
On sighting the security team, the suspected bandits reportedly opened fire. The officers responded decisively, overpowering the attackers and forcing them to flee into a nearby forest.
During a search of the area, the operatives rescued a kidnapped victim, identified as Hafiza Rabiu, without any injuries. They also recovered seven cows believed to have been stolen by the fleeing suspects.
After receiving medical attention, the rescued victim was safely reunited with her family.
DSP Sadiq Aliyu also disclosed that in a separate operation carried out on July 17, the command responded to a distress call reporting that armed bandits had attacked Kuru Village in Musawa Local Government Area and rustled several cattle.
The Divisional Police Officer in Musawa, working alongside members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, immediately mobilised to the area and tracked the suspects into a nearby bush.
The bandits again engaged the security team in a gun battle, but the operatives responded effectively, forcing the criminals to abandon the stolen livestock before escaping into the surrounding forest.
Eight cows were recovered during the operation, while efforts are continuing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar Fage, praised the courage, commitment and professionalism displayed by the officers who participated in both operations.
He also expressed appreciation to residents whose timely and credible information contributed to the success of the missions, urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence to strengthen the fight against crime across the state.
