The Kaduna State police command has foiled a kidnap attempt in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state and rescued nine victims.
The spokesperson for the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, June 25, 2026, said two police officers lost their lives while returning from the successful operation after suspected bandits ambushed them along the route.
The PPRO said that the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 24, at about 12:45 p.m. following credible intelligence that about 15 bandits armed with sophisticated weapons were sighted around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.
Hassan said the bandits abducted several persons working on their farms.
According to him, the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilised patrol teams, officers of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), alongside the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS) operatives to the area on a rescue mission.
He said the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
“On 24th June, 2026, at about 1245 hours, credible intelligence was received indicating that approximately fifteen (15) armed bandits, armed with Sophisticated weapons, were sighted around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town. The bandits kidnapped several persons from their farms,” the statement read.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Area Commander Birnin Gwari and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilized a patrol teams, Pmf alongside KADVIS personnel and proceeded to the area on a rescue mission.
“On arrival, the operatives sighted the bandits and engaged them as a result the bandits started fleeing on motorcycles into the bush because of superior power.
“The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee for safety.
“The following victims were later rescued successfully: 1. Hudu Rabiu, 31 years, 2. Yusuf Sagir, 20 years, 3. Sagir Rabiu, 17 years, 4. Muhammad Kabir, 23yrs, 5. Kabir Lawal, 20 years, 6. Idris Abubakar, 17 years, 7. Mustapha Zayyanu, 18 years, 8. Kabiru Rabiu, 18 years, 9. Usman Lawal, 18 years.
“The victims were found tied with ropes and abandoned by their captors. They were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
“Regrettably, while returning from the successful operation, two police officers were ambushed by suspected bandits who had laid in wait along the route.
“The officers sustained gunshot wounds and sadly paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, psc, mni, sympathize with the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen heroes, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public.
“The Command honours their memory and service to the nation.
“Meanwhile, investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.”
