Security forces in Kebbi State have eliminated a suspected kidnapping gang leader during a raid in Bagudo Local Government Area. The operation involved police and other security agencies working in coordination.
The deceased suspect, identified as Jiji Mujugu, was killed after he fired at operatives who stormed his hideout. He was shot and neutralised as he attempted to flee the scene.
SP Bashir Usman, the state police spokesman, confirmed the details in a statement released to journalists. He credited an earlier arrest for leading security teams to Mujugu's location.
Another gang member, Bube Tukur, was apprehended at the same hideout without incident. Investigators linked both men to an eight-person criminal network.
According to Usman, the gang had been plaguing rural communities for some time. Villages affected include Geza, Adawa, Matsinkai, Sharabi, Illela, Suru and Dakin Gari.
The syndicate was blamed for kidnapping Alhaji Abu Geza, a resident of Geza Village. Operatives managed to free him during the raid.
Police recovered one locally-made pistol and ammunition from the arrested suspect. Usman said this was seized as evidence.
The rescue of Abu Geza marked a significant breakthrough for communities that had lived in fear. Residents now hope the arrests will bring an end to abductions in the region.
Investigations into the gang's operations are ongoing, according to the police command. More details may emerge as questioning of Tukur progresses.
