Nine abducted persons have regained their freedom following a dramatic rescue operation in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Security forces engaged suspected bandits in a firefight that scattered the criminals into nearby bushland.
The operation came at a heavy cost. Two police officers lost their lives in a subsequent ambush as the rescue team withdrew from the scene.
Kaduna State Police Command made the disclosure on Thursday through spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan. According to his statement, the nine victims were seized on Wednesday while working on farmland near Unguwan Sa'idu Village, several kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.
Intelligence reaching police at approximately 12:45 p.m. that day indicated armed bandits were active in the locality. Officials estimated the gang numbered around 15 men equipped with automatic weapons and holding multiple captives.
Police leadership moved swiftly in response. The Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer deployed patrol squads, including Mobile Force personnel and members of KADVIS.
When operatives reached the location, gunfire erupted immediately. A fierce exchange of shots forced the bandits to abandon their hostages and flee on motorcycles.
Officers pursued the fleeing criminals aggressively into the surrounding woodland. Panic-stricken abductors left their captives behind as they scattered in different directions.
All nine rescued persons were discovered bound with ropes and left at the scene. None sustained injuries during their captivity or rescue, and authorities quickly reunited them with relatives.
Police identified the freed individuals 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).
Tragedy struck during the return journey. Bandits who had positioned themselves along the route opened fire on the security convoy without warning.
Two officers succumbed to their wounds sustained in the ambush. They died serving their country, police confirmed.
CP Rabiu Muhammad, the state's Police Commissioner, extended sympathies to the bereaved families and colleagues of the fallen officers. He praised their ultimate sacrifice and dedication to protecting Nigerians.
In his words, the fallen officers embodied the bravery and commitment displayed daily by security personnel. Their memory would be honoured, he assured the public.
Muhammad noted that investigations into the ambush remain active. Tactical operations are underway to locate the attackers and ensure they face justice.
Police command vowed to sustain its campaign against criminality across Kaduna. The commitment to citizens' safety would not waver, officials stated.
