Two police officers have died after an operation that led to the rescue of nine kidnapped victims in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Police Command said the victims were rescued after security operatives responded to intelligence reports that armed bandits had abducted several farmers around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, on Thursday, said credible intelligence received at about 12:45 pm on 24 June indicated that about 15 armed bandits armed with sophisticated weapons had invaded farmlands around Unguwan Sa’idu Village and abducted several persons.
Hassan said the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised patrol teams, personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), and operatives of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS) to the area to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
According to him, on reaching the location, the security operatives encountered the bandits and engaged them in a gun battle.
“The bandits started fleeing on motorcycles into the bush due to the superior firepower of the operatives. The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee”.
Hassan said the operation resulted in the successful rescue of nine victims whom the kidnappers had held.
He identified 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.
The police spokesperson added that the victims were found tied with ropes and abandoned by their captors during the escape.
However, tragedy struck as the operatives returned from the successful mission.
Hassan disclosed that suspected bandits who had laid an ambush along the route attacked the team, leaving two police officers with gunshot wounds.
“The officers sustained gunshot wounds and sadly paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, sympathised with the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased officers, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of the dedication and courage displayed daily by security personnel.
“Their sacrifice is 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”.
Muhammad assured residents that the Command remained committed to sustaining the fight against banditry and other violent crimes across the State.
He also disclosed that investigations and tactical operations had been intensified to track down those responsible for the attack and ensure they were brought to justice.
