In Katsina, the State Police Command made significant progress with the arrest of 22 individuals suspected of armed robbery, as well as 36 persons linked to cases of rape and sodomy within the state during April.
Confirming these accomplishments, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu informed the media about the command’s achievements for the month.
During this period, Sadiq-Aliyu disclosed that 10 murder suspects were also apprehended.
He detailed that a total of 81 major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, culpable homicides, and cattle rustling were reported.
“Throughout this timeframe, 69 cases were presented in court, leading to the arrest of 145 suspects connected to these criminal activities,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated.
Moreover, 58 suspects were detained for various offenses like criminal force, intimidation, inciting disturbance, theft, and affiliation with bands of criminals.
“The commendable efforts also led to the neutralization of 12 suspected bandits, the rescue of over 30 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of 492 rustled animals,” added Sadiq-Aliyu.
Providing a specific incident, the PPRO recounted that on May 5, the command successfully intervened in a bandit attack on two commercial vehicles at Unguwar Boka village along Funtua-Gusau Road, ensuring the safety of 52 passengers.
He described how suspected bandits targeted a luxurious bus carrying passengers from Onitsha to Gusau, Zamfara State, and a Volkswagen Golf-3 traveling from Zaria to Gusau. The drivers skillfully diverted into the bushes upon the attack.
“Upon immediate notification, the DPO swiftly mobilized officers to the scene. A fierce gun battle ensued with the assailants, thwarting the kidnapping attempt and rescuing all passengers unharmed,” he highlighted.
“The pursuit of the fleeing suspects is vigorously ongoing, with continued investigative efforts,” remarked the police spokesperson.