The Katsina State Police Command has foiled an attempt by suspected bandits to kidnap two people in Bakori Local Government Area, rescuing the victims and recovering an AK-47 rifle and other exhibits.
The command said one suspected bandit was arrested while another was neutralised during a gun duel between security operatives and the bandits.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the incident occurred at about 4:30 am after the Bakori Divisional Police Headquarters received credible information about the movement of suspected armed bandits.
He said the suspects were sighted moving from Tamarke Village in Tsiga District of Bakori LGA towards Ganzaki Hill in Malumfashi LGA, while allegedly holding two kidnapped victims and rustled animals.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer, Bakori, immediately mobilised a joint team of police operatives and local vigilantes to intercept the suspects.
‘The team tactically engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel and successfully dislodged them,’ the statement said.
The police said the operation resulted in the rescue of the two kidnapped victims, who were unhurt.
It added that the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with 24 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five rustled animals and a Tecno keypad mobile phone.
The command said a subsequent search of the area and surrounding bushes led to the arrest of an injured suspected bandit and the recovery of the body of another suspected bandit who was neutralised during the encounter.
The police said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals.