Operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command have rescued at least six kidnapped victims unhurt in Donko following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.
Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, who made this disclosure through a statement issued on Monday, said the rescue operation was part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on banditry and other violent crimes in the state.
According to Abubakar, the incident occurred on Saturday, November 2, when about a dozen armed bandits invaded Ukuhu, Tungar Wazga, and Unguwar Chiroma villages, kidnapping ten residents.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Danko led a combined team of policemen and local vigilantes in pursuit of the kidnappers.
“They intercepted the hoodlums at Marina village, near the Zamfara border, and engaged them in a fierce gun duel,” the statement read.
The State police image-maker said in the statement that the confrontation forced the bandits to abandon some of their captives and flee into the forest with possible gunshot wounds.
The rescued victims, according to the statement, including Abubakar B. Abubakar (25), Nasiru Magawata (18), Abdul Magawata (15), Buhari Ukuhu (17), Kamalu Magawata (12), and Naziru Magawata (11), have since been reunited with their families after medical checks.
The state police publicist added that search and rescue operations are ongoing to free the remaining four victims and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Commending the bravery of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, praised the DPO and his team for their swift response and professionalism.
Sani also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to help combat insecurity in the state.
