Weapons recovered from neutralised suspects
Bauchi State Police Command has said that five suspected kidnappers were killed while firearms were recovered from them during an attempted kidnap.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad Musa, during a press briefing on Monday, February 12, 2024.
The police boss said: “Following collaboration with relevant security agencies, on Sunday, February 11, at about 2a.m, information at the disposal of the command indicated that some unknown people numbering about five, armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded Giade Local Government Area with the aim of kidnapping innocent residents.
“On receiving the information, a team of detectives, in collaboration with Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad, swung into action and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel.
“As a result, all of the suspected bandits were neutralised instantly.
“Preliminary investigation uncovered that the suspected kidnappers were invited by one Abdullahi.
“The kidnappers were the same gang that abducted one Emeka of Itas-Gadau some time in the 2023 and collected N10 million ransom.
“They also kidnapped one person in Giade and collected N774,000 as ransom. These hoodlums were not limited to kidnapping, but also engaged in a killing people.
“Again, it was the same armed men who terrorized Burra, Ningi, Jama’are, Itas-Gadau, and Giade LGAs of Bauchi State,” he added.
The CP then stressed that the command has not rested on its oars as the personnel have engaged and neutralised some of their gang members in operations at Jama’are, Ningi and now in Giade.
He, however, said: “It is worthy to note that these successes were made through collective efforts and collaboration made possible with the Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad.”
During the operation, some prohibited firearms were recovered from the suspects, including 103 live ammunition, 7.62x39mm calibre of AK-47 rifle, three live ammunition, 9mm calibre, four cartridges, five magazines, two locally-made pistols, one AK-47 rifle, one AK-49 rifle and one locally-made AK-47 rifle.
The CP stressed that “in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force, as clearly stated in Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Policing Mission and Mandate, as enshrined in Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 as amended, my unalloyed commitment and that of the officers and men of this Command is to ensure the safety and security of the people of Bauchi State.
“This will be achieved through practical, proactive policing, community engagement, strict and effective law enforcement strategies.
“We are determined to create a peaceful and crime-free environment in which all residents of Bauchi State can flourish.”
According to him, “our vision is to be a highly professional and trustworthy Police Force that serves as a beacon of excellence in maintaining law and order.
“We aim to build a strong partnership with community members, local organisations and law enforcement agencies to foster a safe and secure environment for all and sundry.
“My vision for effective policing of Bauchi State will rest on active community engagement.”
