By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
At least, five suspected bandits were at the weekend killed by police operatives during a gun duel in Bauch State, New Nigerian Newspapers has learnt.
Assorted firearms and ammunition which include one AK-49, AK-47, two locally fabricated pistols, one locally made AK-47, 103 live ammunition 7.62x39mm caliber of AK47 riffle, three live ammunition 9mm caliber, four cartridges and five magazine were recovered from them.
The police detectives were said to have recorded the feat in collaboration with a local vigilante outfit identified as Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad.
It was gathered that the suspected kidnappers had invaded Giade local government area of Bauchi State, on 11th February, 2024 at about 2.00am, with the sole aim of kidnapping innocent persons of the area.
The Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command CP Auwal Muhammad Musa, who briefed journalists on the incident on Tuesday, disclosed that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspected kidnappers were invited by one Abdullahi, surname unknown from Bauchi and Taraba States respectively.
His words, ” Taping from the fruits of collaboration with relevant security agencies, on the 11th February 2024 at about 0200hrs, information at the disposal of the Command indicated that some unknown people numbering about five (5) armed with AK-47 riffles, invaded Giade LGA with the sole aim to kidnapped innocent citizens of the locality.
” On receiving the information, a team of detectives in collaboration with Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad, swiftly swung into action and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel. As a result, all of the suspected bandits were neutralized instantly.
” Preliminary investigation uncovered that the suspected kidnappers were invited by one Abdullahi surname unknown from Bauchi and Taraba States respectively.”
Auwal hinted that the kidnappers were the same gang who kidnapped one Emeka of Itas-Gadau some times in the year 2023 and collected the sum of ten (10) million naira as ransom; they also kidnapped one person in Giade and collected the sum of Seven hundred and seventy-four thousand nairas (774,000).
According to him, the activities of the suspected kidnappers were not limited to kidnapping criminal activities but also engaged in a higher killing people where they were paid and killed/burned to ashes one Ibrahim Dodo of Baranda village Jigawa State.
” Again, it is the same armed men who terrorized Burra, Ningi, Jama’are, Itas-Gadau, and Giade LGAs area of Bauchi State.
” The Command has been on its ours where we engaged and neutralized some of their gang members in a daring operation at Jama’are, Ningi, and now in Giade LGAs of Bauchi State.
” It is worthy to note that these successes were made through collective efforts and collaboration made possible with the Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad and the following prohibited firearms were recovered from them.”
CP Auwal therefore assured residents of his unalloyed commitment and that of the officers and men of the Command at ensuring the safety and security of the people of Bauchi State.
This, the Police Commissioner said will be achieved through practical, proactive policing, community engagement, strict and effective law enforcement strategies.
” We are determined to create a peaceful and crime-free environment in which all residents of Bauchi State can flourish. Our vision is to be a highly professional and trustworthy Police Force that serves as a beacon of excellence in maintaining law and order.
” We aim to build a strong partnership with community members, local organizations, and law enforcement agencies to foster a safe and secure environment for all and sundry. My vision for effective policing of Bauchi State will rest on active Community Engagement.”, he added.
