The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three suspected bandits, the recovery of weapons, and the rescue of kidnapped victims during coordinated security operations in border communities.
In an interview with The Punch on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Buhari Abdullahi said security forces had earlier thwarted an attempted attack on Friday due to heavy deployment in vulnerable areas like Pindiga, Billiri, and Shongom.
He stated that the bandits later struck early Saturday at Garin Galadima in Lambo community, killing one person and abducting five.
“On Saturday morning, by 3 am, they went to Garin Galadima, Lambo, where they killed one and abducted five,” Abdullahi said.
Security forces, including police, hunters, and vigilantes, mobilised and engaged the bandits in a gun battle. “We neutralised three bandits, recovered two AK-47s and four magazines, four motorcycles and also rescued three of the victims,” he added.
One of the rescued victims later died from gunshot wounds in the hospital.
The police also recovered 120 rounds of live ammunition. Abdullahi noted that operations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, many of whom may have escaped with injuries.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, especially in border communities, and urged the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
