Kidnappers have caused serious commotion in a Kano State community after engaging police officers in a deadly shootout.
Men of the Nigeria Police Force
It was pure pandemonium that broke out in Kano State recently.
The commotion began after a group of men suspected to be kidnappers engaged the police in a gun duel at the Falgore Forest in Dogua Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.
According to Daily Post, the shootout lasted for almost one hour after which the police arrested 11 suspected kidnappers, and rescued 12 kidnap victims from the dreaded forest.
The Commissioner of Police, CP, Rabiu Yusuf, told newsmen on Wednesday that the Command rejuvenated its anti-kidnapping squad due to the upsurge of kidnapping and armed banditry, especially in the Southern part of the state, in its bid to launch a major offensive on notorious criminals.
The CP confirmed the arrest of some kidnap suspects and rescue of some victims, saying “A a fierce gun duel for almost one hour ensued at the first and second gates before the main camp was penetrated.
“Those arrested during the operation include, Bello Bello Shano, Debo Ibrahim, Lawal Shuaibu, Adamu Abubakar and Nura Salisu of Dariya Shere village.
“Others include, Zubairu Mua’azu of Daurawa village, Umar Bello of Kekenta village all in Doguwa Local Government Area,Ibrahim Bashir S/Kaura Village, Adamu Gainaku,Abdulrasak Isyaku of Gidan Iya, Ruga-Ruga village from Tunduwada Local Government Area and Maharazu Yahaya.
“While some escaped into the thick forest with bullet wounds, during the mop-up operation, one Bello Salleh and Mohammed Sani all of Rafin Kura village in Dogowua LGA, were kidnapped on the very date were rescued.
“Ten other victims who were taken hostage at the forest including women were also rescued, they are, Halima Sa’adu, Rabi Idri, Amos Yakubu, Jacob Ibrahim all of Doguwa Local Government Area.
“Others are Hajara Yakubu of Karasa village, Maimuna Abubakar, Sule Maigoro, Ibrahim Umaru, Musa Idi and Alhaji Ibrahim Hamisu.
“I wish to further inform you that all the victims underwent post-trauma counseling and medical examination, today, (Wednesday), they will be formally handed over to their respective families.”
He further disclosed that exhibits recovered in the Falgore forest camp include one AK 47 Riffle, two loaded magazines, 250 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, eight Bajaj motorcycles, criminal masks and personal belongings.
“Some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, some quantity of food items, drinks and drugs were equally uncovered from them.”