The Kaduna state Police Command has rescued nine kidnap victims in Birnin Gwari local government area, but lost two officers in an ambush by suspected bandits while returning from the operation.
The command said the rescue followed credible intelligence received on Wednesday that about 15 armed bandits had abducted several farmers around Unguwan Sa’idu village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised patrol teams, personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and operatives of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVIS) to the area.
The statement said the security operatives encountered the bandits and engaged them in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the bush on motorcycles.
“The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee for safety,” the statement said.
Police added that the victims were found tied with ropes and abandoned by their abductors during the pursuit.
The rescued victims were identified 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.
The command said all the victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
However, tragedy struck while the operatives were returning from the successful rescue mission as suspected bandits reportedly laid an ambush along their route.
The police stated that two officers sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and later died in line of duty.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna state command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, sympathised with the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen officers.
He described their deaths as a testament to the courage, dedication and selflessness of security personnel who continue to risk their lives daily to protect citizens.