A daring rescue operation by security forces in Katsina State on Saturday resulted in the tragic loss of two lives during separate gun battles with bandits.

Despite the casualties, six kidnapped victims were successfully rescued.

According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq, Police Public Relations Officer for the Katsina State Command, the first incident occurred at 8:15 AM on the Jibia-Kauran Namoda road. Police and military operatives swiftly responded to a distress call, engaging the suspects in a fierce gunfight. Four kidnapped victims were rescued and hospitalized, but one succumbed to gunshot injuries.

In a similar incident at 7:00 AM, Faskari Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress call regarding an attempted kidnapping on the Funtua-Gusau road at Unguwar Boka village. Security forces responded promptly, engaging the assailants in a shootout. Unfortunately, one victim was killed, but two others were rescued unharmed.

ASP Sadiq assured that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the perpetrators as the investigation continues.

This incident is the latest in a series of security operations in Katsina State, where security operatives recently rescued six farmers kidnapped while harvesting maize.? (Sunday Vanguard)