Army rescues 31 kidnap victims, kills terrorist kingpin in Kebbi, Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command announced the arrest of three suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and the successful rescue of two women abducted by armed bandits in separate operations. The Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Sani Dikko, Kabir Sani, and Salisu Bello during a patrol in Dutsin-Ma.

Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects were linked to the abduction of an elderly man, Alhaji Lawal, who was held for 16 days before his family paid a N3 million ransom. The suspects are currently in police custody as further investigations explore their broader criminal network.

In a separate incident, police received a distress call in Kankia Local Government Area about an attack on Sha’iskawa Fulani Village around 12:45 a.m. on Monday. Eight armed bandits attacked the community, abducting two women, Assubi Rabe, 45, and Rabi Isyaku, 27. Police quickly deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing the bandits to flee and allowing the police to rescue the victims unharmed.

The operations exemplify the police's ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry throughout Katsina State.