The Kaduna State Police Command has thwarted a kidnap attempt in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, rescuing nine abducted farmers after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence received on Wednesday around 12:45 p.m. that about 15 heavily armed bandits had stormed Unguwan Sa’idu Village, near Birnin Gwari town, and abducted several residents working on their farms.
Acting swiftly, the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Birnin Gwari mobilised patrol teams, operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), and personnel of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVIS) for a rescue mission.
On reaching the scene, security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to flee into the bush on motorcycles.
“The bandits were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security operatives. A sustained pursuit compelled them to abandon their captives and escape,” Hassan said.
The rescued victims were found tied up with ropes and left behind by their abductors. They were identified as Hudu Rabiu, Yusuf Sagir, Sagir Rabiu, Muhammad Kabir, Kabir Lawal, Idris Abubakar, Mustapha Zayyanu, Kabiru Rabiu and Usman Lawal.
According to the police, all nine victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
However, tragedy struck after the successful operation when suspected bandits ambushed a police team returning from the mission. Two officers sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died in the line of duty.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen officers, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
“Their courage, dedication and selflessness reflect the commitment of officers who risk their lives daily to protect citizens. The command honours their memory and service,” he said.
The police said investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down the attackers and bring them to justice.
Source: NAN
