Police Engage Terrorists In Gun Duel, Rescue Victim In Katsina

• Operatives are searching nearby bushes for potential bodies of neutralized bandits who fled the scene with bullet wounds
• The CP urged state residents to remain vigilant and report any bullet wounds to the nearest police divisional headquarters for necessary action

Early on Friday morning, Katsina State Police Command personnel engaged terrorists in a gunfight and freed Hashim Yusuf, 65, who had been abducted earlier that day in Hayin Gada in the state’s Malumfashi Local Government Area.

Additionally, the agents took 94 cows, 17 lambs, and 2 motorcycles from the terrorists.

ASP Abubakar Aliyu, the command’s spokesman, confirmed the development on Saturday.

He explained that the operatives were informed of the movement at about 2:30 a.m on Friday, consequent upon which they mobilised to tackle the terrorists.

Aliyu said the confrontation led to “a daring gun duel” with the terrorists during which the victim was rescued and the items recovered.

He explained: “On August 25, 2023, at approximately 2.30 a.m, a distress call was received at the Kankara divisional police headquarters regarding the movement of suspected bandits from Hayin Gada, Malumfashi Local Government Area, where they kidnapped one Hashim Yusuf, 65, towards Ruwan Lafiya village, via Kankara Sheme road, Kankara LGA.

“Responding swiftly to the scene, officers found themselves confronted by a group of armed bandits, heavily armed with dangerous weapons such as an AK-47 rifle, attempting to flee the area with their victim.

“A daring gun duel ensued as the police worked tirelessly to neutralise the threat and secure the safety of the innocent hostage. The officers exhibited exemplary courage and professional skills as they overwhelmingly outmatched the bandits, and rescued the victim unharmed.

He added that 94 cows, 17 sheep, and two motorcycles were recovered from the bandits.

“Operatives are combing the nearby bushes for possible bodies of neutralised bandits as they flee the scene with bullet wounds,” he noted.

The command’s spokesman added that the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, commended the officers’ efforts as well as their commitment, and dedication to duty.

The CP called on residents of the state to remain vigilant and “report to the nearest police divisional headquarters anyone seen with a bullet wound for further necessary action.”