Police rescue 21, lose two operatives in Katsina bandit attack

The Katsina State Police Command reported that in a fierce gun battle with bandits, security operatives thwarted kidnapping attempts and rescued 21 victims in the Jibia Local Government Area of the state late Thursday.

It was learned that one member of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and a vigilante lost their lives during the encounter.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Abubakar Sadiq, in a statement released on Friday, the Katsina State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian military, members of the state community watch corps, and vigilantes, successfully foiled simultaneous attacks on three quarters in Jibia Township, Katsina State, on 7th November 2024.

“At about 2115 hrs (9:15 pm), suspected armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on Ka’ida, Unguwar One Boy, and Danmarke quarters, all in Jibia Township, Jibia LGA, Katsina State. The rapid response of the joint security team, led by the DPO Jibia, repelled the attackers, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted for over an hour.

“The superior firepower and tactical advantage of the joint security team eventually forced the bandits to retreat with unspecified casualties, and the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 16 victims trapped by the bandits.

“Regrettably, five persons sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the bandits’ attack. The injured victims were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

“Tragically, one member of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and a vigilante lost their lives during the encounter, paying the ultimate price. Further updates will be provided in due course,” the statement read.

The statement added that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to ensure the arrest of those responsible for this heinous act.

The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Police Command, Aliyu Musa, reassured the public of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.

He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency numbers.