by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State Police Command says its operatives have rescued a kidnapped victim, neutralized a bandit and foiled an armed robbery attempt and recovered an AK-47 rifle with an operational vehicle.
Making the disclosure Tuesday, in a statement issued and signed by the Command’s spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, the release stressed that the local inhabitants had resisted the bandits and successfully neutralized one of them.
“On the 2nd of July, 2024, at about 0130 hrs, the Police Operatives in Jere received information from a reliable informant regarding an invasion by armed bandits at Rugar Sojidi, a Fulani settlement near Issan Makaranta, Kagarko LGA. The bandits had kidnapped three individuals.
“Upon receiving the information, a team of police operatives was promptly mobilized to the scene. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the local inhabitants had resisted the bandits and successfully neutralized one of them. An AK-47 rifle and six rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene. All the kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed. The nearby bush area was thoroughly combed for the possible arrest of any suspects.
“Also, on the same date at about 0130 hrs, a Makarfi Divisional patrol team, in collaboration with local vigilantes, successfully foiled an armed robbery along the Kano-Zaria Road. The patrol team encountered armed robbers and suspected cattle rustlers, who had blocked the road with logs of wood and stones.
“A shootout ensued, and the superior firepower of the police patrol team forced the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their blue Gulf vehicle with registration number APP 166 DG. The road was promptly cleared, allowing motorists to continue their journeys safely.
“Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing and combing of the surrounding bushes continued into the early hours of the morning. Patrol and monitoring activities along the highway are being intensified to ensure the free and safe movement of travelers.
“The Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command, CP Audu Ali Dabigi, psc, commends the bravery of the Officers and assures the public of continued commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region,” it stated.