Two Policemen Killed After Rescue of Nine Kidnap Victims in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, rescuing nine abducted persons after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits.

However, the successful operation ended in tragedy as two police officers were killed in an ambush while returning from the rescue mission.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna.

According to the police, the operation was launched on Wednesday at about 12:45 p.m following credible intelligence that approximately 15 armed bandits wielding sophisticated weapons had been sighted around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town. The suspects were reported to have abducted several residents who were working on their farms.

Upon receiving the intelligence, the Area Commander in Birnin Gwari and the Divisional Police Officer mobilised patrol teams, personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and operatives of the Kaduna Vigilante Service (KADVIS) to the area. Security operatives reportedly tracked the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun duel.

“The bandits fled on motorcycles into the bush due to the superior firepower of the security operatives,” Hassan said.

He added that the security team immediately launched a pursuit operation, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and escape into nearby forests.

The nine victims were later discovered tied with ropes and left behind by the fleeing bandits.

Those rescued 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. Police said all the victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.

Despite the success of the rescue mission, the command confirmed that two police officers lost their lives while returning from the operation.

According to the statement, suspected bandits ambushed the officers along their route, opening fire and inflicting fatal gunshot wounds. The identities of the deceased officers were not immediately disclosed.

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen officers, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the command and the nation.

“The officers paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Their sacrifice reflects the courage, dedication and selflessness of men and women who risk their lives daily to protect citizens and defend communities from criminal elements,” the commissioner said.

He added that the command would honour their service and remain committed to sustaining operations against criminal groups across the state.

The police said tactical operations and investigations have been intensified to track down those responsible for the ambush and bring them to justice.

Birnin Gwari remains one of the flashpoints of banditry and kidnapping activities in Kaduna State, with security agencies continuing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the area.

Authorities urged residents to continue supporting security operations by providing credible and timely information capable of preventing attacks and aiding ongoing efforts to secure communities.