The Bauchi State Police Command, in collaboration with the Hunters Group, successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued three victims. The joint effort led to the neutralization of eight kidnappers in a firefight.

The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, revealed the details of the operation in a statement issued to journalists in Bauchi.

Wakil stated that the operation took place on April 22, 2024, following credible information received by the Command regarding suspicious activities near the state boundary with Plateau State.

He explained that detectives deployed from Gumau, Tilde, and Tulu Divisions encountered armed bandits during their routine patrol and were forced to engage in a firefight in self-defence. As a result, four suspected kidnappers were neutralized.

“Two of the suspects, in their eleventh hour, confessed to multiple kidnapping incidents across Bauchi and Plateau states, including the heinous killing of a village head in Ruruwai village, Lame district, Toro local government area of Bauchi State, on March 17, 2024,” Wakil disclosed.

Following the valuable information provided by the apprehended suspects, the detectives proceeded to the kidnappers’ hideout to rescue three kidnapped victims from Dokayel village. The victims had been taken captive on April 20, 2024.

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

The successful operation is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Bauchi State Police Command in ensuring the safety and security of the residents.

Commending the officers and men involved, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, praised their heroism and professionalism during the operation. He urged them to sustain their efforts in maintaining law and order in the state.

Muhammad also called on the general public to trust and cooperate with the police by providing useful information and remaining vigilant to help combat criminal activities in the state.