The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued two kidnap victims during a joint security operation in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out by a combined team comprising the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Divisional Police Officer in Ningi and Forestry Guards, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, to intensify operations in areas affected by a rise in kidnapping.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the commissioner had ordered tactical teams to relocate to communities recently hit by kidnapping to rescue victims and apprehend suspects.
According to Abubakar, the operation followed intelligence on persistent kidnapping incidents in Dogon Ruwa and Rafin Chiyawa villages around Gwamnare Forest.
He said the security team advanced through the Rafin Chiyawa axis into Gwamnare Forest, where they successfully rescued two victims.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Yahaya, 50, from Masallachi Hamlet in Dogon Ruwa Village, and Alhaji Kabiru of Gwamnare Forest.
Abubakar said no casualties were recorded during the operation.
He added that efforts were ongoing to rescue other victims believed to be in captivity.
The police spokesperson said the commissioner commended the bravery and professionalism of the joint security team and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements operating in forests across the state.
He also assured residents of Dogon Ruwa, Rafin Chiyawa and neighboring communities that security operations would continue until the affected areas are safe.
