On Thursday, a collaborative security force consisting of the Police, the Nigerian Military, and individuals from the Katsina State Community Watch Corps successfully liberated 14 passengers who had been kidnapped by armed bandits.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq, the spokesperson, Katsina Police Command, disclosed this Thursday night in a press release.

According to him, the incident occurred around 1:30 pm when suspected bandits intercepted a Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA) bus traveling between Funtua and Katsina.

According to earlier reports, the gunmen, armed with AK-47 rifles, reportedly intercepted the bus at Gidan Kifi village on the Marabar-Kankara Road and abducted all passengers on board.

However, ASP Sadiq disclosed that in a swift response following a distress call, the joint task force mobilised and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle and successfully rescued 14 out of the 18 kidnapped victims.

ASP further disclosed that “We are currently investigating the situation and working diligently to locate the missing individuals. Our officers are deployed in the area where the abduction is reported to have occurred, conducting a thorough search and following all leads.”