The police lost two officers in an encounter with bandits, but usefully prevented the bandits from escaping with kidnapped farmers in Kaduna.

The Kaduna State Police Command narrated that on 24th June 2026 at 12:45pm, the Command received credible intelligence that about 15 armed bandits, with sophisticated weapons, had kidnapped several farmers around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometers from Birnin Gwari town. Acting swiftly, the Area Commander and DPO Birnin Gwari, mobilized patrol teams, PMF personnel, and KADVIS operatives for a rescue mission.

The Command said that on arrival, operatives sighted the bandits and engaged them in exchange of gunfire. The Police overpowered the bandits, and they fled on motorcycles into the forest, abandoning their captives. The team pursued them, forcing the bandits to abandon their victims and escape for safety.

Police rescued 9 persons, who were tied with ropes and left in the forest. All were found unharmed and have since been reunited with their families. The victims police identified the victims to include: 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.

The Command noted that, tragically, while returning from the successful operation, two police officers were ambushed by suspected bandits, who had laid in wait along the route. Both officers sustained gunshot wounds and paid the supreme price in the line of national duty.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, sympathized with the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased officers. He described their sacrifice as proof of the courage and selflessness officers show daily to protect the public. The Command honored their memory and service to the nation.

Investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators behind the ambush. The Command reaffirmed the commitment to securing lives and property in Kaduna State.