By Ayo Kehinde
Operatives of the Police Command in Jigsaw State have rescued an 80-year-old kidnap victim, Hajiya Hajara, and neutralised five suspected kidnappers during a daring operation that also led to the arrest of five other gang members.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement issued Monday in Abuja.
He said Hajara was abducted from her residence in Sarbi Village, Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State by a twelve-man armed gang.
As the kidnappers attempted to escape through Jigawa State, a joint team of police operatives from the Jigawa Command, in collaboration with local security outfits, stormed the suspects’ hideouts between Danzomo and Medi villages.
“A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang leader, Yahaya, 35. Five others were neutralised during the exchange of fire. The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt, taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, and later discharged,” Adejobi said.
Recovered during the operation were two AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated LAR rifle, 14 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones.
In a related development, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in a coordinated operation, dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate responsible for a series of high-profile crimes across the capital.
Acting on credible intelligence, police intercepted the gang in Maitama as they were preparing to rob an unsuspecting victim.
Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, triggering a gunfight.
“One of the gang’s most wanted members, Abdulmininu Bello, also known as Babanle, was neutralised in the shootout. Seven others were arrested at the scene, including ex-convicts Ibrahim Muhammad, 22, and Isiaka Adamu,” Adejobi revealed.
Other arrested suspects include Abubakar Abdullahi, 22; Sarajo Yusuf, 20; Sanusi Ali, 51; Abubakar Sani; and Abdullahi Isah.
Exhibits recovered from the scene include four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with ten rounds of 9mm ammunition, eleven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a locally made shotgun, a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, and a red Boxer motorcycle.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their bravery and successful operations.
He also appreciated the public’s support and urged continued vigilance in reporting suspicious activities and gatherings.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to enhancing public safety and strengthening national security across the country,” the statement added.
