Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command announced that it thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area and rescued nine abducted individuals.

DSP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer, made the announcement in a statement released on Thursday in Kaduna.

According to Hassan, the incident took place on Wednesday at approximately 12:45 p.m., after credible intelligence indicated that roughly 15 armed bandits equipped with advanced weapons had been spotted near Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari Town.

He added that the bandits had taken several farm workers hostage.

He further stated that the Area Commander of Birnin Gwari and the Divisional Police Officer mobilised patrol units, Police Mobile Force personnel, and Kaduna Vigilante Service operatives to the scene for a rescue operation.

“On arrival, the operatives sighted the bandits and engaged them in a gun duel.”

“The bandits fled on motorcycles into the bush due to the superior firepower of the security operatives.”

“The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee,” he said.

The spokesman reported that the victims were discovered bound with ropes and left by their captors.

He listed the rescued victims as Hudu Rabiu, 31; Yusuf Sagir, 20; Sagir Rabiu, 17; Muhammad Kabir, 23; Kabir Lawal, 20; Idris Abubakar, 17; Mustapha Zayyanu, 18; Kabiru Rabiu, 18; and Usman Lawal, 18.

Hassan confirmed that the victims were rescued without injury and reunited with their families.

However, he noted that two police officers were killed while returning from the operation after suspected bandits ambushed them en route.

He added that the officers had sustained gunshot wounds and paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

Commissioner of Police CP Rabiu Muhammad expressed sympathy for the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers.

He described their sacrifice as a testament to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public.

“The command honours their memory and service to the nation,” the commissioner said.

Hassan added that investigations and tactical operations were continuing to locate and apprehend those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. (NAN)