Two police officers lost their lives after suspected bandits ambushed a security team returning from a successful operation that secured the freedom of nine kidnapped farmers in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Police Command said the attack occurred on Wednesday after operatives rescued the victims from their abductors during a coordinated operation.
In a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, explained that the rescue mission was launched following intelligence reports that about 15 armed bandits had abducted several farmers in Unguwan Sa’idu village, located a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.
According to Hassan, the Area Commander in Birnin Gwari, alongside the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly deployed patrol teams comprising personnel of the Police Mobile Force and the Kaduna Vigilante Service to the affected community.
On reaching the scene, security personnel confronted the armed men in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the bush and abandon their captives.
The statement read, “On arrival, the operatives sighted the bandits and engaged them. As a result, the bandits started fleeing on motorcycles into the bush because of superior firepower.
“The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee for safety.”
The police said nine kidnapped farmers were rescued during the operation.
The rescued victims were identified as Hudu Rabiu, 31; Yusuf Sagir, 20; Sagir Rabiu, 17; Muhammad Kabir, 23; Kabir Lawal, 20; Idris Abubakar, 17; Mustapha Zayyanu, 18; Kabiru Rabiu, 18; and Usman Lawal, 18.
The command said the victims were discovered tied with ropes after being abandoned by the fleeing bandits. They were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
However, tragedy struck while the operatives were returning from the mission as suspected bandits reportedly launched an ambush.
“Regrettably, while returning from the successful operation, two police officers were ambushed by suspected bandits who had lain in wait along the route.
“The officers sustained gunshot wounds and sadly paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” the statement added.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, expressed sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of the slain officers, describing them as gallant personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
“Their sacrifice is a testament to the courage, dedication and selflessness of officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public. The command honours their memory and service to the nation,” he said.
Muhammad assured residents that security agencies were making efforts to arrest those responsible for the attack, noting that investigations and tactical operations had been intensified to track down the perpetrators.
Birnin Gwari has remained one of Kaduna State’s most volatile areas for more than a decade, with recurring incidents of banditry, cattle rustling and mass abductions. The forests surrounding the local government area continue to provide cover for criminal gangs operating across parts of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina and Zamfara states.
