Katsina police rescue kidnap victim, recover 15 rustled cows

From Agaju Madugba, Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has foiled two separate attacks by suspected bandits in Funtua and Musawa Local Government Areas, rescued a kidnap victim and recovered 15 rustled cows.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar  Aliyu, the Funtua Central Police Station received credible intelligence on July 19 regarding the movement of suspected bandits with rustled cattle attempting to cross the border between Funtua and Dandume Local Government Areas.

The statement read: “Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Funtua, mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene.

“On arrival, the bandits opened fire on the team. Responding decisively with superior firepower, the operatives successfully dispersed the bandits, who fled into a nearby forest.

“While combing the area, the team rescued a kidnap victim, identified as Hafiza Rabiu, unharmed, and recovered seven rustled cows.

“The rescued victim was medically examined and reunited with her family.

“Similarly, on July 17, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m., a distress call was received at the Musawa Divisional Headquarters that suspected bandits armed with dangerous weapons had attacked Kuru village in Musawa Local Government Area and rustled several cows.

“The DPO, Musawa, mobilised a team of operatives in collaboration with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and responded promptly to the scene.

“The operatives trailed the hoodlums into a nearby bush as they attempted to escape. On sighting the police team, the bandits opened fire.

“The team responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee. Consequently, eight cows were recovered at the scene.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, while commending the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the operations, also appreciated members of the public for providing timely information that led to the successful outcome of the operations.”