Kehinde Fajobi
The Katsina State Police Command reported on Friday that it thwarted simultaneous bandit attacks in three areas of Jibia Township, rescuing 21 abducted residents.
According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Police Public Relations Officer, the successful operation was a joint effort involving the police, Army, Community See Corps, and local vigilantes.
“In a swift and coordinated response, we successfully foiled simultaneous bandits’ attacks at Ka’ida, Unguwar One Boy, and Danmarke quarters in Jibia Township, Katsina State, on Nov. 7,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.
He detailed that the assault began around 9:15 pm on Thursday, as armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on the communities.
Thanks to a quick response led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Jibia, the security team engaged in a gun battle with the attackers, lasting over an hour.
“The superior firepower and tactical advantage of the joint security team eventually forced the bandits to retreat with unspecified casualties as the operation resulted in the successful rescue of 16 victims trapped by the bandits,” he noted.
Five additional people were also rescued, though they sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a hospital for medical care.
“Sadly, one member of the state’s security outfit and a vigilante member lost their lives during the encounter, paying the ultimate price,” Sadiq-Aliyu added.
He confirmed that security forces are intensifying their efforts to capture the attackers.
“The command, in collaboration with sister security agencies and all relevant stakeholders, is working tirelessly to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act.”
Katsina’s Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, reaffirmed the force’s dedication to ensuring the safety of lives and property throughout the state.