Katsina Kidnapping Plot Thwarted by Police

Late on Saturday night, a group of approximately 50 gunmen launched an attack on the Tijjani Malumfashi housing estate, located in the Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. Their intention appeared to be the kidnapping of several residents.

At around 11:00 pm, these armed assailants arrived at the estate, brandishing firearms and firing shots into the air as a show of force. They split into smaller groups and proceeded to enter various homes, forcibly bringing residents out into the open. Fortunately, the situation was swiftly addressed thanks to the prompt response of law enforcement agencies, including the police, military personnel, and local vigilante groups.

A reliable source revealed that due to the timely arrival of security forces, including the police and the military, the potential kidnapping victims, including a judge named Alkali Saidu, were rescued from the clutches of the attackers. Before security personnel arrived, at least six individuals were forcibly taken from their homes, bound, and blindfolded.

According to the source, “The Divisional Police Officer, Malumfashi, alongside a team of policemen, army personnel, and the vigilante group, successfully repelled the attack.” The confrontation between the armed assailants and security personnel resulted in a prolonged exchange of gunfire, lasting for over an hour, before the gunmen eventually fled the scene.

Tragically, one victim, a well-known businessman named Alhaji Zaharaddeen, commonly referred to as Danmaliki, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. He is currently receiving medical treatment at the General Hospital in Kwandala, Malumfashi.

Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the swift and courageous response of DPO Bello Umar and the military, which prevented the hoodlums from abducting more individuals within the estate.

The state’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Aliyu Abubakar, confirmed the incident, acknowledging that an investigation into the attack is underway, with further updates to be provided at a later time.