The Bauchi State Police Command has successfully neutralized six suspected bandits and kidnappers during a gun duel in the Ningi local government area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammed, announced the successful operation at a news briefing held at the Ningi Area Command on Wednesday.
The operation, which took place on December 26, 2023, according to him, involved a coordinated effort between the police team of detectives and quasi-security outfits led by Ahmed Ali Kwara.
The intense confrontation resulted in the neutralization of the suspects, and a subsequent search of their hideout uncovered a cache of weapons and valuable items.
Recovered items from the bandits included two AK47 rifles, fifty-five live rounds of ammunition, four empty magazines, N4,580,000.00 in cash, a blue Golf 3 vehicle, and various mobile phones with new SIM cards. Stolen items, presumably from previous kidnappings, comprised Tecno and Infinix Android phones, mobile batteries, and 190 recharge cards for MTN and Airtel networks.
Commending the collaborative effort, Muhammed expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir, for his unwavering commitment to the state’s security.
He emphasized the critical role of a violence-free society in fostering development and ensuring a good quality of life for citizens.
The Commissioner highlighted the challenges faced by the security system in the country and stressed the need for collective efforts to maintain a peaceful environment.
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He referenced Robert Peel’s principles of policing, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the police and the people.
The commissioner further detailed the Command’s aggressive counter-kidnapping strategies, citing positive results in ongoing efforts against heinous crimes.
He recounted a July 2023 incident where bandits killed eight people, including a traditional ruler, and kidnapped several residents, underscoring the persistent threat.
The Police Commissioner credited the success of the recent operation to a strategic review of Command operations and a robust partnership with the Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Group, headquartered in Azare town.
He reiterated the importance of community involvement in law enforcement for the safety and security of society.
