In a daring operation, the Plateau State Police Command engaged suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, resulting in two fatalities and the successful rescue of six kidnapped residents. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, was a direct response to the earlier invasion of Gwalada village in Toro Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State by the kidnappers.

Promptly alerted to the situation, police operatives swiftly tracked the kidnappers to their hidden encampment within the border community. The ensuing crossfire was intense, claiming the lives of one of the kidnapping suspects and a vigilante group member. However, the police successfully rescued six individuals who had fallen victim to the criminals.

The spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, confirmed these developments in an official statement issued in Jos on Thursday.

The statement detailed the operation, saying, “The Plateau State Police Command, in its relentless efforts to eliminate criminal elements in the state, trailed a gang of notorious kidnappers to their den, dislodged them, rescued six kidnapped victims, and neutralized one kidnapper.”

The operation was initiated on November 1, 2023, at approximately 06:00 hours, following credible intelligence about a gruesome kidnapping incident in Gwalada village, Toro LGA, Bauchi State. Unidentified suspects had forcefully abducted several residents and transported them to a rocky forest between Tumu, Tsaya, and Rumfar Gomna in Bassa LGA.

Under the leadership of the Divisional Police Officer of Jengre, a combined team of police operatives, Special Task Force (STF) personnel, and Security Help Groups stormed the kidnappers’ camp. A fierce gunfight erupted as the kidnappers resisted, but they were ultimately overpowered by the superior firepower of the security forces.

Six victims, identified as Rashida Hamisu, Mummi Usman, Ibrahim Isa, Ya’u Yahaya, Bala Aminu, and Alhaji Ishaku Usman, all from Gwalada, Toro LGA, Bauchi, were successfully rescued. Unfortunately, one of the kidnappers was fatally wounded, and his accomplices fled with various degrees of bullet injuries. Tragically, Nuhu Titus, a hunter who had assisted the security forces in the rescue operation, lost his life.

Efforts are now underway to track down the fleeing suspects and secure the release of other kidnap victims. The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Okoro J. Alawari, reassured the residents of the police force’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and criminality in the state.

“The CP vows to do all within his powers to ensure that all the 17 Local Government Areas continue to remain safe for all citizens of the state,” the statement declared. It also issued a stern warning to kidnappers, urging them to abandon their criminal activities or leave Plateau State before they are apprehended by the police.