Plateau Police Kill Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 Rifle in Gun Battle in Mangu LGA

A suspected kidnapper has been killed in a gun duel with police operatives in Plateau State, with an AK-47 rifle and live ammunition recovered during the operation in Gindiri, Mangu Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Wednesday after detectives from the Gindiri Police Division trailed a group of armed criminals believed to be terrorising communities in Changal and surrounding areas.

Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, Mr Alfred Alabo, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Jos on Friday.

According to him, the armed gang was led by a notorious suspect identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, who has long been linked to violent crimes in Gindiri and neighbouring communities.

The operation escalated when police officers came under attack while closing in on the suspects, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire between both sides.

“One of the suspects was neutralised during the exchange,” Alabo said, adding that the remaining members of the gang fled the scene.

Recovered from the suspect were one AK-47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a Redmi mobile phone.

The police said the case has been transferred to the Violent Crimes Response Unit for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang.

The Command also stated that the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Mr Bassey Ewah, praised the operatives for what he described as a courageous and professional response during the operation.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and restoring security in affected communities.

Ewah also called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against kidnapping and armed crime.