Zamfara police rescue teen hostage held by bandits for four months

Zamfara police rescue teen hostage held by bandits for four months

From John Bassey, Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained campaign against banditry with the successful rescue of a hostage who spent four months in captivity.

This was disclosed in a statement by DSP Yazid Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Command. The victim, Hassan Rilwan, 15, of Danjibga in Tsafe Local Government Area, was rescued following sustained intelligence-led operations by the Command’s tactical operatives targeting bandits’ hideouts across the state.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Hassan was abducted in March 2026 while travelling from Danjibga to Bena in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Upon reaching Daki Takwas, armed bandits intercepted the vehicle conveying the passengers and forcefully abducted them to an unknown destination.

As police operatives intensified coordinated offensives against the criminal elements and mounted sustained pressure on their hideouts, the bandits, unable to withstand the operation, fled into a nearby forest with suspected gunshot wounds, abandoning the victim, who was safely rescued by the police.

Following the rescue, Hassan Rilwan received the necessary medical attention and was formally handed over to his grandmother, Nana Aisha, in Danjibga.

The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP Ahmad Muhammad Bello, PSC+, mnips, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, DCP Salisu Bello Fago, commended the courage, professionalism and resilience of the operatives involved in the successful operation. He reassured the people of Zamfara State that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against bandits and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored across the state.

The Command further urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information that will enhance ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal activities.

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