Police Rescue Three  Victims, Neutralise Eight Kidnappers, Bandits in Bauchi

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Operatives of Bauchi State Police Command in conjunction with the hunters group have successfully rescued three kidnapped victims and neutralised eight kidnappers/bandits in the state.

A statement issued by the state Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, which was made available to journalists yesterday, said: “The operation was carried out on April 22, 2024, following credible information received by the Command regarding suspicious activities near the state border with Plateau States.

“The detectives deployed from Gumau, Tilde, and Tulu Police Divisions encountered the bandits during their routine patrol and engaged in a firefight in self-defence, resulting in the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers. Two of the suspects in their eleventh hour, who later died, confessed to multiple kidnapping incidents across Bauchi and Plateau States, including the heinous killing of a village head in Ruruwai village, Lame district, Toro LGA, Bauchi State, on March 17, 2024,” he stated.

The statement added that: “Based on the information provided by the late suspects, the detectives proceeded to the kidnappers’ hideout to rescue three kidnapped victims from Dokayel village, who were taken captive on April 20, 2024.

“In a subsequent firefight with the remaining accomplices guarding the hostages, four kidnappers were also neutralised, and the three captives were safely rescued without any ransom paid.”

He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, commended the officers and men involved for their heroism and professionalism during the operation.

While encouraging his officers and men to continue their efforts in maintaining law and order, the commissioner urged the public to trust and cooperate with the Police by providing useful information and remain vigilant.

The state police boss, who stated that “this successful operation is a testimony to the commitment and dedication of the command to protect the lives and properties of the citizens/residents of the state, assured the state of the Command’s commitment to continue to work tirelessly to improve the security situation in the state.