Police rescue four kidnap victims after Katsina village attack

Police in Katsina State say they have rescued four kidnap victims, including a nursing baby, after armed men attacked Makwanta village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.

The command said officers intercepted the fleeing attackers along the Dutsin-Ma–Danmusa border following a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday, September 16. All four victims were rescued unhurt, according to the police.

Police spokesman DSP Abubakar Sadiq said the Dutsin-Ma Divisional Police Headquarters received the call at about 12:22am. The Divisional Police Officer then mobilised a team, which tracked the abductors and blocked their escape route.

In the command’s account, carried by Punch and Channels TV, officers exchanged fire with the attackers before they fled into the surrounding bush. Police said the suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds; no arrests were announced in the statement.

The rescued group comprised three female victims and the baby. Punch reported that the female victims were aged 14, 50 and 21.

A search of the area yielded an AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, three MP3 players and a knife. Police also reported recovering three wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.

Sadiq said efforts were continuing to track down the fleeing suspects. Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage commended the officers’ response and urged residents to provide timely information that could help security agencies prevent attacks and protect communities.

Sources: Punch, Channels TV