A gun battle in Birnin Gwari left two police officers dead on Wednesday. Nine kidnapped farmers were freed during the same operation.
Armed bandits had snatched the victims from Unguwan Sa'idu village on June 24. Intelligence tips led police to their location.
Officers from the Police Mobile Force and local vigilance groups moved in fast. They opened fire on the gunmen in a fierce exchange.
Superior firepower scattered the bandits into nearby bush. All nine captives were found bound and abandoned.
Tragedy struck on the way back. Suspected gunmen ambushed the security team along the route.
Two officers took fatal gunshot wounds. They died at the scene.
DSP Mansir Hassan, the police spokesperson, confirmed the rescue and deaths. He gave few other details about the identities of the slain men.
Kaduna's Police Commissioner, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the fallen officers. He told reporters they'd made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria.
Muhammad extended condolences to their families and colleagues. He called them heroes.
Police say investigations are ongoing. Tactical operations continue to track down those responsible for the ambush.
