A coordinated police and vigilante operation in Kebbi State has forced suspected kidnappers to abandon five captives, including two women who had reportedly spent an earlier period in captivity.
The operation, which also resulted in the arrest of three suspects, followed an attack on Dolen Kwandage Village in Suru Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, in a statement on Monday indicated that the attackers had abducted three residents identified as Samaila Abubakar, 35, Dayyaba Muhammadu, 32, and Balki Hakimi, 31.
However, the statement indicated their escape with the victims was disrupted after police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, mobilised alongside local vigilantes and launched a pursuit.
The pressure reportedly forced the gang members to abandon their captives, allowing security operatives to rescue the three newly abducted residents and two other women.
The women, identified as Moe Muddaha, 50, and Hadiza Bello, 30, were said to have been held earlier after being abducted from Yarma Village, also in Suru LGA.
All five victims were rescued unhurt and taken to General Hospital, Dakingari, for medical examination before reuniting with their families.
The operation also provided a breakthrough for investigators, with three suspected members of the criminal gang arrested.
They were identified as Umaru Janyo, 49, and Bube Kwaire, 28, both from Bendu Village, and Muhammadu Gyade, 22, from Tindifai Village.
According to the police, other gang members escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.
Items recovered included an unregistered Haojue motorcycle, ₦308,000 in cash, a chain and a jerrican.
The Kebbi State Police Command said it had intensified patrols and surveillance in the area to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the officers and vigilantes for their swift intervention and cooperation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and bringing those responsible for kidnapping and other violent crimes to justice.
The police urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts against criminal activities.
