The Katsina State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine passengers following a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits along the Katsina-Kankara highway.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina by the Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.

According to him, the incident occurred on Thursday at about 2:30p.m. at Tashar Kanya Village in Kankara Local Government Area, where armed bandits blocked the road and intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Golf conveying passengers from Dandume to Katsina.

Sadiq-Aliyu explained that the assailants abducted all 11 occupants of the vehicle after forcing it to stop.

He said that upon receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara swiftly mobilised operatives, including personnel from the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel.

“Owing to the superior firepower and strategic maneuvers of the police team, the hoodlums were forced to abandon their mission and flee into the bush,” he said.

According to Sadiq-Aliyu, a subsequent search led to the rescue of nine victims unharmed.

He added that efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue the two remaining victims while intensifying the manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

The spokesperson quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, as commending the bravery and professionalism of the operatives.

He reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to combating crimes and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.

The CP urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid operations against criminal elements.