Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command successfully rescued a 26-year-old man, Mubarak Haruna, who had been held captive for nearly a month after being abducted in the Jibia Local Government Area.
Haruna, a resident of Tudun Yanlihidda quarters in Katsina metropolis, was kidnapped on September 25, 2024, while traveling in a commercial vehicle along the Katsina to Magamar Jibia road.
According to a statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, the police operation took place on October 24, 2024, around 6:30 AM.
Officers conducting routine patrols at the outskirts of Kukar Babangida village made the rescue during their patrol.
Sadiq commended the efforts of the police, stating, “The command under the able leadership of CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa psc+, in a sustained effort against the menace of kidnapping and banditry, successfully rescued a kidnapped victim.”
Haruna’s abduction had caused significant concern within his community, prompting widespread calls for heightened security measures to combat the rising tide of kidnappings and banditry in the region.
The police revealed that Haruna had been abducted while traveling with other passengers, further highlighting the dangers faced by commuters on the Katsina-Magamar Jibia route, which has seen an uptick in violent crime in recent months.
Following his rescue, Haruna was taken to a local hospital for medical attention, where he is currently recuperating. The police statement indicated that Haruna appeared to be in stable condition but would require ongoing medical support as he recovers from the trauma of his ordeal.
Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the kidnappers, with investigations progressing steadily. ASP Sadiq assured the public that the police are committed to bringing the suspects to justice. “We are intensifying our efforts to ensure the arrest of the suspects as the investigation proceeds,” he noted.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the security challenges facing Katsina State, particularly in the wake of increasing reports of kidnapping incidents across Nigeria.
Citizens have expressed their frustration over the persistent threat of violence, calling on the government to enhance security measures and provide adequate resources for law enforcement agencies.
Local government officials and community leaders have also joined the chorus of voices urging for improved strategies to combat crime in the region.
They emphasize the need for collaboration between the police and community members to effectively address the root causes of banditry and kidnapping.
In the wake of Haruna’s rescue, residents of Jibia and surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The police have also encouraged community members to engage with law enforcement, fostering a partnership that could help deter criminal activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the Katsina State Police Command continues its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and restoring confidence in the region’s security framework.
Haruna’s rescue serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating crime, but also of their dedication to protecting the community.
