Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Katsina, Arrest Notorious Kingpin in Abuja
In a major breakthrough against the scourge of kidnapping across Nigeria, security operatives in Katsina and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have recorded significant victories, foiling an attempted abduction in Katsina and arresting a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Abuja, PRNigeria reports.
In Katsina, police operatives successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt in Mazare village, Sabuwa Local Government Area, rescuing three women and a baby girl unhurt during a gun duel with suspected bandits.
According to Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at about 12:21 a.m. on June 17, when heavily armed assailants stormed the village, attempting to abduct residents.
Responding swiftly to a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Sabuwa mobilized officers using Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) patrol vehicles and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Two residents, identified as Saidu Isa and Saidu Wa’alam, sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving treatment at Haske Private Hospital in Sabuwa.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and restore calm to the area.
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In a related development, operatives of the FCT Police Command’s Scorpion Squad arrested a second key suspect linked to a series of high-profile kidnappings in Abuja and neighbouring states. The arrest, which took place on June 17 at about 4:30 p.m., followed the earlier capture of one Y’au Shittu, 27, on June 13.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Sale Usman, a native of Niger State and resident of Shishipe village in Mpape, was apprehended through forensic intelligence and surveillance led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey.
Police sources revealed that Usman is a notorious figure tied to several heinous crimes, including the abduction and murder of a pastor, the kidnapping of a woman for whom ₦10 million ransom was paid, and the killing of a father during the abduction of his three children.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in these crimes and provided vital intelligence on his gang members. A dagger was recovered from him at the time of arrest, and efforts are ongoing to recover additional weapons and apprehend his accomplices.
Security agencies have pledged to sustain the tempo of operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping syndicates and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country.
By PRNigeria
