Police rescue two kidnapped victims, neutralise four suspects in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command says it has rescued two kidnapped victims, neutralised four suspected kidnappers and arrested 12 suspects during clearance operations in Ikara and Makarfi Local Government Areas of the state.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Hassan said the operations, conducted in collaboration with the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS), also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two locally made guns and three sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
He said the operation in Ikara was conducted on Sept. 16, at about 5 a.m., following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers in the area.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikara, led police operatives and KADVS members to the residence of one Haruna Yakubu in Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village.
“Upon arrival, the operatives encountered armed resistance, resulting in a gun duel.
“During the operation, two kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, while four suspected kidnappers were neutralised,” he said.
The PPRO identified three of the suspects as Kabiru Haruna, Suleman Abdulkarim and Yusuf Haruna, alias Burgagau, all of Yoromowa, Auchanawa Village.
He said 12 suspects were also arrested in connection with the operation and were assisting the police in establishing their individual roles and the wider network behind the criminal activities.
Hassan said the command also conducted a clearance operation on Sept. 15, at about 6 a.m., around the Arabu Forest Reserve in Makarfi Local Government Area.
He said the operation covered the area from Durum through Nasarawan Doya to the Arabu River Bank, bordering Soba Local Government Area.
“During the operation, the operatives recovered two locally made guns, three sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and one military camouflage T-shirt abandoned in the area,” he said.
The PPRO said the joint patrol and clearance operation was still ongoing to prevent criminal elements from regrouping or establishing hideouts in the area.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, as commending the personnel, KADVS and vigilante members involved in the operations.
Rabiu also appreciated members of the public whose timely information contributed to the success of the operations.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led clearance operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks, rescuing victims and restoring lasting peace across Kaduna State.
