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Security operatives in Kaduna State rescued nine kidnapped hostages following a gun battle with armed bandits in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, while two police officers were killed in an ambush during the operation.
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, the incident began on 24 June 2026 at about 12:45 pm when credible intelligence revealed that about 15 heavily armed bandits had invaded farmlands around Unguwan Sa’idu village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town, and abducted several farmers.
Acting on the intelligence, the Area Commander of Birnin Gwari and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised patrol teams, including personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and KADVIS operatives, and proceeded to the area on a rescue mission.
The police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the operatives encountered the kidnappers upon arrival and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“On arrival, the operatives sighted the bandits and engaged them. As a result of the superior firepower of the security team, the bandits fled on motorcycles into the bush,” Hassan said.
He added that security personnel launched a sustained pursuit of the fleeing criminals, forcing them to abandon their captives.
“The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee for safety,” he stated.
The rescued victims were identified as Hudu Rabiu, 31, Yusuf Sagir, 20, Sagir Rabiu, 17, Muhammad Kabir, 23, Kabir Lawal, 20, Idris Abubakar, 17, Mustapha Zayyanu, 18, Kabiru Rabiu, 18 and Usman Lawal, 18.
According to the police, the victims were discovered tied up with ropes and abandoned by their abductors.
“The victims were found tied with ropes and abandoned by their captors. They were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families,” Hassan said.
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Tragedy struck during the return journey from the successful rescue operation when suspected bandits ambushed the security team.
“Regrettably, while returning from the successful operation, two police officers were ambushed by suspected bandits who had laid in wait along the route,” the police spokesperson disclosed.
He added that the officers sustained gunshot wounds and later died from their injuries.
“The officers sustained gunshot wounds and sadly paid the supreme price in the line of duty”, he said.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers.
The police commissioner described their deaths as “a testament to the courage, dedication and selflessness of officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public.”
He said the command “honours their memory and service to the nation” and assured residents that efforts to combat criminal activities in the area would continue.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command said investigations and tactical operations were ongoing to track down those responsible for the attack.
“Investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators responsible for the attack and bring them to justice,” the statement added.
Birnin Gwari remained one of the areas most affected by banditry in Kaduna State, with security agencies continuing operations aimed at curbing kidnappings and other violent crimes in the region.
