Bauchi police neutralize 5 suspected kidnappers, recover three AK-47 rifles and live ammunition

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have killed five suspected kidnappers during a shootout in the Jama'are Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, who disclosed this during a press conference on Thursday, August 31, 2023, said three AK-47 rifles, one SMG rifle, three empty magazine, one hundred and five (105) rounds of live ammunition and one cutlass were recovered from the gang.

“The shootout took place in the night of 29th August 2023, on the outskirts of Jamaare town. The Police operatives, in line with the mandate of Operation Restore Peace (ORP) in collaboration with local hunters, were carrying out routine surveillance and raids of suspected criminal hide-outs, when they suddenly came under gunfire attack from a heavily armed criminal gang. The operatives fought back gallantly, repelling the attack and eventually neutralized five (5) of the gang leaders therein, whilst the remaining gang members fled,” the PPRO stated.

The PPRO further disclosed that on 30th August 2023, at about 0221hrs information at the Command's disposal revealed that a group of armed men numbering about ten (10), invaded the house of one Emeka Asogwa of Itas-Gadau LGA, and kidnapped him to an unknown destination. Thereafter, they demanded and collected the sum of ten million naira (10.000.000;00K) as ransom

 

“On receipt of the report, a team of detectives in collaboration with local security hunters swung into action and rescued the kidnapped victim immediately. Efforts are being intensified to arrest the culprits.” he said 

 

"Jama'are Market Operation: Again, On 17th June 2023 at about 2010hrs information receipt from a good Samaritan that some unknown hoodlums numbering about seven (7) riding on motorcycles invaded Jamaare market and shot in the air, kidnapping one Alh. Samaila Danejin Jamaare in the process and equally shooting one Khalifa Umar m aged 13yrs to death, wounded one Mustapha Sabiu on his lap, brushed one Chibuike Rapheal on his stomach all of Jamaare and also brushed one Buhari Hassan at his left hand m of Ziramai village Azare, Katagum LGA. Subsequently, the kidnappers demanded and collected the sum of twenty million naira (20.000.000;00k) from the kidnapped victim (Alh. Samaila Danejin Jama'are).

 

"On receipt of the report, a team of detectives led by the DPO Jamaare swiftly swung into action, moved to the scene and recovered six (6) empty shells and two (2) live ammunition calibre of AK 47 rifles

 

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspected notorious kidnappers/bandits were responsible for terrorizing Buji, Mashema, Itas-Gadau, Gwaram, Sara, Birnin Kudu, Ningi and Burra areas of Bauchi and Jigawa States respectfully

 

"Investigations into these cases are ongoing, while efforts aimed at arresting other members of the gangs still at large are being intensified

 

"Meanwhile, the Command is defiantly committed to ensuring that criminals have no hiding place in the State. It must be reemphasized here that safety and security is not the sole responsibility of security agencies alone, hence members of the public are encouraged to play a vital role towards ensuring peace by availing the Police with useful information at all times

 

"While commending Police operatives for their gallantry, as well as selfless service to the nation and humanity, the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad psc, has reassured the law-abiding and hard-working citizens that the war against crimes and criminality will soon be won

“The CP equally calls on members of the public for continuous support for the police and other law enforcement agencies to provide adequate security in the State.”