Katsina Gun Battle: Police Rescue 11, Bandits Flee With Injuries
In another breakthrough against violent crime, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, have rescued 11 kidnapped victims unhurt following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Katsina State.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, said the operation was carried out on June 8 along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa Local Government Area.
The Joint Task Force, while on routine patrol, encountered a group of heavily armed kidnappers attempting to ferry abducted victims to an unknown location. A gunfight ensued, during which the operatives successfully overpowered the criminals. The armed bandits were forced to flee into the bush with gunshot injuries, abandoning their captives. All 11 victims were safely rescued without sustaining any injuries.
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In a separate operation in Delta State, the police recorded another major success with the arrest of key members of a cross-state kidnapping syndicate. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives attached to the CP-Special Assignment Team arrested 30-year-old Abubakar Hassan, identified as a major suspect in a kidnapping gang operating across Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States.
During interrogation, Hassan confessed to spearheading several abductions along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis. He subsequently led detectives to the gang’s hideout in an Ozoro forest, where two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 32 rounds of live ammunition were recovered. The operation followed the earlier arrest of three other gang members.
In a related development, police officers on Safer Highway Patrol duty intercepted a vehicle along Ughelli Road during a routine stop-and-search. A search of the vehicle uncovered a locally fabricated revolver pump-action single-barrel rifle and 15 live cartridges. The driver, identified as 38-year-old Obi Ezekiel, was arrested at the scene.
Commending the officers for their courage and professionalism, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, urged all commands nationwide to sustain the momentum in combating violent crimes. He reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no criminal finds safe haven within Nigeria’s borders.
The Nigeria Police Force has assured citizens of its continued dedication to safeguarding lives and property as part of its broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.
By PRNigeria
