Police Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims, Lose Two Officers in Kaduna Operation

The Kaduna State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine victims abducted by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, however, recorded a tragic setback as two police officers lost their lives in an ambush while returning from the rescue mission.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, intelligence reports indicated that about fifteen armed bandits attacked farmers at Unguwan Sa’idu Village near Birnin Gwari and abducted several persons.

Acting on the information, the Area Commander of Birnin Gwari and the Divisional Police Officer mobilised patrol teams, including personnel of the Police Mobile Force and the Kaduna Vigilante Service, and proceeded to the area.

On arrival, security operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the bush on motorcycles and abandon their captives.

The nine victims were subsequently rescued and reunited with their families.

The Command said the victims were found tied with ropes but were rescued unharmed following the operation.

However, while returning from the successful mission, two police officers were reportedly ambushed by suspected bandits who had laid siege along the route.

The officers sustained gunshot wounds and later died in the line of duty.

The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, Rabiu Muhammad, commiserated with the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen officers, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of the courage and commitment of personnel working to protect lives and property.

The Command said investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.