The Kebbi State Police Command has neutralised one suspected bandit and arrested three others during coordinated operations across Maiyama and Shanga Local Government Areas of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the operations were carried out in response to two separate attacks by armed bandits on residents of Botoro Gadi and Kwari communities.
Abubakar said that in the first incident, eight armed men invaded the residence of one Alhaji Sani in Botoro Gadi, Mungadi area of Maiyama LGA, and abducted two residents identified as Muhafi Sani and Shamsiya Aliyu.
“Upon receiving a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Maiyama led a combined team of police operatives and local vigilantes, who pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun duel,” the statement read.
During the exchange of fire, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, and a dane gun along with an empty cartridge shell was recovered from the scene.
In another incident, a separate gang of bandits attacked Kwari village in the Giron Masa area of Shanga LGA, abducting two residents identified as Suleiman and Yunwa Suleiman.
“The Divisional Police Officer in Shanga, working with army personnel and vigilantes, swiftly mobilised and confronted the attackers. During the encounter, the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled into the forest with fatal gunshot injuries,” Abubakar said.
In a related development, police operatives also arrested one Musa Muhammad in Takware village, Shanga LGA, for unlawful possession of ammunition. Items recovered from him included three live rounds and 20 empty shells of 7.62×39mm calibre ammunition.
Abubakar confirmed that all rescued victims have been medically examined and reunited with their families, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to ridding Kebbi State of criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes in the state,” he added.
