Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command have successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt, rescuing nine abducted passengers after a swift tactical operation along the Katsina-Kankara highway.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday. He detailed how police operatives engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun battle, ultimately forcing them to abandon their captives.
The incident took place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at approximately 2:30 PM. A group of armed bandits had set up a barricade on the Katsina-Kankara Road at Tashar Kanya Village, located within the Kankara Local Government Area.
The gunmen intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III saloon car (registration number KMC 400 MK) driven by 40-year-old Aliyu, who is widely known as “Maitakabari.”
The vehicle was transporting 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the criminals forcefully took all the occupants into custody.
As soon as the distress call was received, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kankara quickly mobilized a joint team of operatives, which included personnel from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), and rushed to the scene.
According to the official statement:
“The police team confronted the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical strategy of the operatives, the bandits were forced to flee into the bush, abandoning several of their victims.
“During a search of the surrounding area, the police rescued nine victims unharmed.”
The rescued passengers have been identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 28; Rakkiya Ya’u, 30; Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud, 18; Jumai Majarazu, 20; Salamatu Adamu, 30; Yusuf Halliru, 17; Harira Hamisu, 25; Umma Kabir, 17; and a three-year-old toddler, Nusaiba Maharazu.
However, two individuals, the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and a passenger, Buhari Kabir, are still missing.
The police noted that a rigorous search-and-rescue mission is currently underway to ensure the safe return of the remaining two victims and to track down the fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police for the Katsina State Command, Ali Fage, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, praising them for their gallantry and commitment to their duties.
He further reassured the public of the Command’s absolute resolve to wipe out banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities throughout the state, while appealing to citizens to keep supporting security forces with timely and reliable information.
