The Katsina State Police Command has said it foiled a kidnap attempt and neutralised a notorious bandit, Audu Kushin, during a recent operation.

A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on May 22 at about 10:15 p.m. in Malumfashi Local Government Area.

The statement, however, said five of the foiled kidnap victims were shot and injured but were receiving treatment in the hospital.

“On May 22, 2025, at about 2215 hrs, a distress call was received at Malumfashi Division that some armed men suspected to be bandits attacked Unguwar Lado and Karo villages of Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.

“Led by the DPO, a team of police operatives responded promptly to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

“During the operation, one notorious bandit, Audu Kushin, of Tsamiyar Maigoro village, was successfully neutralised.

“Unfortunately, five kidnap victims were shot and injured by the assailants: Labaran Tijjani, 25; Mai Unguwa Usman, 45; Iliya Hamisu, 45; Yahaya Dahiru, 25; and Abdurahaman Umar, 25.

“The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Malumfashi for immediate medical attention. Efforts are being intensified to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

“This successful operation is part of the command’s ongoing onslaught against banditry and kidnapping, demonstrating the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, commends the efforts of the operatives as he charges them to sustain the tempo.

“He further called on members of the public to continue supporting the command with timely information for prompt and decisive action against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.”