Three Kaduna kidnap victims regain freedom

Three kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after security operatives dislodged a suspected bandits’ hideout in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The victims were rescued on Thursday following operation around Gidan Mijin Gwaggo, Durum, according to a statement Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mansir Hassan.

The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Hamza Gimi and two others.

Hassan, in the statement made available to our correspondent on Saturday, said the operation followed credible intelligence concerning suspicious movements in the area.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, directed the Divisional Police Officer, Makarfi Division, to lead a patrol team, in collaboration with local vigilantes, to the location.

It said the security team came under fire from the suspected kidnappers upon arrival, leading to a fierce gun duel.

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“The team responded and engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bushes with gunshot injuries,” the statement said.

The police said a search of a house belonging to one Yakubu Sule subsequently revealed that the building had been used as a hideout by suspected bandits.

“Three recent kidnapped victims were believed to have been held in the house,” the statement added.

The command said the victims were rescued unharmed and had subsequently been reunited with their families.

A Boxer motorcycle suspected to have been used by the kidnappers was also recovered from the premises.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, some of whom were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.

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