The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of a kidnapped community leader, Hassan Reuben, alongside the arrest of three suspects believed to be connected to the abduction.
Reuben, who resides in Nahuta Village, Tula, within Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state, was abducted on January 20, 2026.
Police disclosed that the incident was reported at about 11:00am the following day, which triggered an immediate response from security agencies.
Confirming the development on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the victim was rescued through swift and coordinated actions by security operatives.
“Following prompt intervention and sustained efforts, the victim was rescued unharmed on the same day the report was received,” Abdullahi stated.
He explained that the rescue mission was executed through a joint operation involving personnel from the Awak and Tula police divisions, with assistance from local vigilante groups and hunters.
According to the command, Hon. Reuben regained his freedom at Tule Berbere, a location a few kilometres from Kunge Village in the Awak District of Kaltungo Local Government Area.
“The victim was immediately taken to a hospital for medical assessment and has since reunited with his family,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, police also apprehended three women suspected to be accomplices or spouses of the kidnappers at the scene where the victim was rescued.
The suspects were identified as Aisha Salihu, Fati Ado and Adama Buba, all from Luga Edi Kamo in Awak, Kaltungo Local Government Area.
Police said the suspects claimed they were unaware of their exact ages, noting that investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in the crime.
The Gombe State Police Command reassured residents of its determination to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
