Police in Kebbi State have killed a suspected kidnapping ringleader during a shootout in Bagudo Local Government Area. The operation also led to the arrest of a gang member and rescue of an abducted victim.
Spokesman SP Bashir Usman confirmed the details on Saturday. He identified the slain suspect as Jiji Mujugu, calling him the leader of an eight-member criminal network.
Acting on intelligence tips, operatives nabbed Bube Tukur of Yarma Village in Suru Local Government Area. Tukur had been living in Kasuwar Daji, Bagudo, at the time of his arrest.
Investigators discovered Tukur was part of Mujugu's gang and linked to kidnapping businessman Alhaji Abu Geza. Officers recovered a homemade pistol and live ammunition from Tukur during the arrest.
In his words, Usman said Tukur then guided security forces to where Mujugu was hiding. When operatives arrived at the location, Mujugu opened fire on them and tried to flee.
Security personnel returned fire immediately. They neutralised Mujugu in the exchange, also recovering another locally made pistol from his body.
Alhaji Abu Geza was freed without harm from the hideout. Police say he's in good condition following his rescue.
According to authorities, this gang had been terrorising communities like Geza, Adawa, Matsinkai, Sharabi, Illela, Suru, Dakin Gari and Bagudo for some time. They also targeted surrounding villages in the region.
Police are still hunting other members of the gang who managed to escape. The Commissioner of Police praised residents for their cooperation with security agencies.
Usman urged citizens to keep supplying police with reliable information. Such tips, he stressed, remain critical to tackling crime effectively.
