Police, forest guards rescue two kidnapped victims in Bauchi
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Police and forest guards in Bauchi State, Nigeria, rescued two kidnapped victims in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area.
- The operation was a joint effort following directives to intensify anti-kidnapping operations in affected areas.
- Authorities are continuing efforts to rescue other potential victims and reassure residents of their commitment to combating criminal elements.
Authorities in Bauchi State, Nigeria, have successfully rescued two kidnapped individuals during a joint security operation in Gwamnare Forest, located in the Ningi Local Government Area. The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Divisional Police Officer in Ningi, and Forestry Guards.
The rescue mission was executed under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, who ordered intensified operations in areas experiencing a rise in kidnapping incidents. The state's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the success in a statement issued on Thursday.
In compliance with the commissionerโs directive, operatives of the command have successfully rescued two kidnap victims during a joint security operation conducted in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area.
Commissioner Aliyu had instructed tactical teams to relocate to communities recently impacted by kidnappings to ensure the safe recovery of victims and the apprehension of suspects. The joint team, led by their respective commanders and the DPO Ningi, moved into operation through the Rafin Chiyawa axis towards Gwamnare.
During the operation, the team successfully rescued two victims, Alhaji Yahaya, male, 50 years old, of Masallachi Hamlet, Dogon Ruwa Village, and Alhaji Kabiru, male, of Gwamnare Forest.
The operation was launched in response to persistent kidnapping activities reported in Dogon Ruwa and Rafin Chiyawa villages, which are situated near Gwamnare Forest. During the operation, the team successfully freed Alhaji Yahaya, a 50-year-old male from Masallachi Hamlet, Dogon Ruwa Village, and Alhaji Kabiru from Gwamnare Forest. No casualties were reported during the rescue.
The police spokesperson indicated that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue other victims believed to still be in captivity. The Commissioner of Police commended the joint security team for their bravery and professionalism. He reassured residents of Dogon Ruwa, Rafin Chiyawa, and surrounding communities of the Command's dedication to clearing forests across the state of criminal elements.
No casualty or loss of life was recorded during the operation.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.