Two Police Officers Killed as Security Team Rescues Nine Kidnap Victims in Kaduna Gun Battle

Two police officers have lost their lives after a security operation successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims from armed bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, the Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed.

The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that suspected bandits had abducted several farmers from Unguwan Sa’idu village on June 24. Acting on the information, security personnel were immediately deployed to the area to rescue the victims and track down the kidnappers.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, the rescue team comprised officers from the Police Mobile Force and the Kaduna Vigilance Service. The operatives engaged the armed bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee into nearby bushes.

The fleeing bandits abandoned their captives during the exchange of fire. Security operatives later discovered and rescued nine victims, who had been tied up and left behind by the criminals.

However, tragedy struck as the security team was returning from the successful rescue mission. Suspected bandits reportedly launched an ambush along the route, opening fire on the operatives.

During the attack, two police officers sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died while carrying out their duties. The remaining members of the security team responded to the assault and secured the area.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the slain officers, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation.

The police command said investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to identify, track and apprehend the bandits responsible for the deadly ambush.