Two Kidnap Victims Rescued as Kaduna Police Raid Bandits’ Hideout

The command said four suspected kidnappers were also killed during a gun battle with security operatives in Ikara on September 16, 2026.

According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence received by the Divisional Police Officer in Ikara, who led a team of police officers and members of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to the residence of a suspected criminal, Haruna Yakubu, in Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village, at about 5 a.m.

The operatives reportedly came under armed attack upon arrival, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, two kidnapped victims were rescued, while four suspected kidnappers were killed.

The police identified some of those killed as Kabiru Haruna, Suleman Abdulkarim and Yusuf Haruna, also known as Burgagau.

An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene, while 12 suspects were arrested and are assisting investigators in establishing their individual roles and links to the wider criminal network.

In a separate operation conducted on September 15, police officers and KADVS personnel carried out a clearance operation in parts of the Arabu Forest Reserve in Makarfi.

The operation covered areas from Durum through Nasarawan Doya to the Arabu River Bank. The team recovered two locally made firearms, three sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and a military camouflage T-shirt.

Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, commended the police personnel, KADVS members and vigilantes involved in the operations. He also acknowledged residents whose timely information contributed to the successes.

The command said the clearance operations would continue to prevent criminal elements from regrouping or establishing new hideouts.

It reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks, rescuing victims and improving security across Kaduna State.