Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

The Katsina State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine passengers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina–Kankara Road in Katsina State.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., when suspected armed bandits blocked the highway at Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area.

According to him, the attackers intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III Saloon with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by a 40-year-old man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.”

The vehicle was reportedly conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the armed men stopped it and abducted all occupants.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara mobilised a tactical team, including operatives of the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Due to the team’s superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, the hoodlums were forced to flee the scene,” the statement said.

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During a sweep of the area after the encounter, police operatives rescued nine victims unhurt.

The rescued persons were 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 Nusaiba Maharazu (3).

However, two persons — the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and a passenger, Buhari Kabir — were still unaccounted for at the time of the report. Authorities said a search-and-rescue operation was ongoing to locate them and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and bravery during the operation.

He also reassured residents that the command remains committed to intensifying security operations aimed at clearing criminal elements from highways and rural communities across the state.

Katsina State has continued to experience recurring cases of banditry and highway kidnappings, prompting increased patrols and tactical deployments along major travel routes.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as search operations continue.

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road