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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police, forest guards rescue two kidnap victims in Bauchi

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Police and forestry guards in Bauchi State, Nigeria, rescued two kidnap victims during a joint operation in Gwamnare Forest.
  • The operation was a response to a surge in kidnapping incidents in the Dogon Ruwa and Rafin Chiyawa villages.
  • Authorities are continuing efforts to rescue other potential victims and reassure residents of their commitment to combating crime.

In a coordinated security operation, operatives from the Bauchi State Police Command, alongside Forestry Guards, have successfully rescued two individuals who had been kidnapped. The joint operation took place in Gwamnare Forest, located in the Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

In compliance with the Commissioner’s directive, operatives of the Command have successfully rescued two kidnap victims during a joint security operation conducted in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area.

— Nafiu AbubakarPolice Public Relations Officer, confirming the successful rescue of kidnap victims.

The rescue mission was initiated following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to intensify operations in areas experiencing a rise in kidnapping activities. Tactical teams were specifically instructed to deploy to affected communities to ensure the safe recovery of victims and the apprehension of suspects.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, the operation was a direct response to persistent kidnapping incidents reported in Dogon Ruwa and Rafin Chiyawa villages, which are situated near Gwamnare Forest. The rescued victims have been identified as Alhaji Yahaya, 50, from Masallachi Hamlet, Dogon Ruwa Village, and Alhaji Kabiru, from Gwamnare Forest.

Situation report received at Ningi Division on July 1, 2026, at about 10:00hrs: a combined team of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by their respective Commanders, the DPO Ningi and team, and the Commander of Forestry Guards deployed by the Commissioner of Police moved into operation through the Rafin Chiyawa axis to Gwamnare in Ningi Local Government.

— Nafiu AbubakarDetailing the composition and deployment of the joint security team during the operation.

No casualties were reported during the rescue operation. The police spokesperson confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue other individuals believed to be held captive. The Commissioner of Police commended the joint security team for their bravery and professionalism, reaffirming the command's dedication to clearing forests across the state of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents in surrounding communities.

No casualty or loss of life was recorded during the operation.

— Nafiu AbubakarReporting on the outcome of the rescue operation in terms of safety.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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