Bauchi State Police have successfully disrupted a kidnapping operation, resulting in the death of one suspect, the arrest of another, and the safe recovery of two victims.
Police Commissioner Sani-Omolori Aliyu had ordered intensified operations across all divisions, prompting swift action from officers on the ground.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Nafiu Habib said a tip-off early Tuesday morning led to the breakthrough. Abdulhamid Mohammed of Tudun Sullubawa, Bara Village, Kirfi LGA, had been abducted at around 3:30 a.m.
“Acting on the intelligence, a specialised police team, working with local security volunteers, located the suspects’ hideout,” Habib stated.
“A gun battle ensued, forcing the kidnappers to scatter. One was killed, another arrested, while the rest escaped.”
The rescued victims were unharmed and promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical checks.
During interrogation, the arrested suspect was identified as Abdulkadir Adamu, 60, from Garin Barde, Bara Village.
Authorities also recovered weapons and equipment, including a locally made revolver, a submachine gun, ammunition, mobile phones, and other items linked to the crime.
The Police Commissioner has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the suspects thoroughly, profile the group, and prosecute those involved.
In a separate incident along the Bauchi–Gombe Federal Highway on Monday, a routine patrol led by SP Hassan Saidu intercepted a roadblock set up by unknown assailants near Kalajanga Hamlet, Bara Village.
Two suspects, Isiya Nasiru, 20, and Umaru Nasiru, 18, were apprehended. Police seized sticks, a torch, bags, local charms, clothing, shoes, a bulletproof vest, a face mask, and a mobile phone from them.
Authorities praised community members for providing timely information that helped foil both criminal activities, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in maintaining safety.