The Katsina State Police Command has foiled separate kidnapping and cattle-rustling operations in Kankara and Malumfashi Local Government Areas of the state, rescuing 11 abducted passengers and recovering 25 stolen cows.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
He said the operations were carried out on Monday following distress calls received by the command.
According to the statement, “The Katsina State Police Command has recorded major operational successes with the foiling of a kidnapping attempt and cattle rustling, resulting in the rescue of 11 victims and the recovery of 25 cows.
“On May 18, 2026, at about 8:45 pm, the Divisional Police Officer, Kankara Division, received a distress call that heavily armed bandits had blocked the Sheme-Kankara Road at Kakumi Village, Kankara LGA. The bandits intercepted an unregistered Toyota Hiace bus conveying 11 passengers to Kano and abducted all the occupants.
“Operatives led by the DPO swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Overpowered by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned the victims and fled the scene. All 11 abducted passengers were rescued unhurt as intensive bush combing is being sustained to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“Similarly, at about 8:50 pm on the same date, the command received a distress call that suspected armed bandits wielding dangerous weapons attacked Badawa Village, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State, rustling 25 cows in the process.
“DPO Malumfashi quickly mobilised APC patrol teams to the scene and intercepted the bandits along a suspected escape route on the outskirts of the village.
“Following an exchange of gunfire, the bandits abandoned the cattle and escaped from the scene. All 25 cows were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. Security has been reinforced in the area with ongoing patrols and surveillance for the possible arrest of the fleeing suspects.
“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, psc(+), mnips, commends the gallantry, swift response, and professionalism displayed by the operatives involved in the operations. He assures the public that the command remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across the state.
“Members of the public are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations,” the statement read.
