Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued five travellers abducted by suspected bandits along the Anka-Bukkuyum Road in a swift security operation.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the victims were kidnapped on June 10 after armed bandits blocked the highway and intercepted commuters.

According to him, personnel of the Anti-Violent Crime Response Unit responded promptly to a distress call and launched a rescue mission, pursuing the attackers into nearby forests.

Abubakar said the operatives engaged the fleeing bandits in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims and escape with suspected gunshot injuries.

He disclosed that all five abductees were rescued unharmed, while two motorcycles believed to have been used by the criminals were recovered during the operation.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to combating insecurity across the state and urged residents to continue providing useful information to support ongoing efforts against criminal elements.

The Ogun State Police Command has thwarted an alleged plot to abduct a Chinese expatriate and arrested two suspects linked to a planned N50 million ransom operation.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, noting that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday following actionable intelligence received by the police.

According to Babaseyi, intelligence reports indicated a planned kidnapping operation along the Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu Expressway axis, prompting officers of the Obalende Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, to swiftly deploy to the area.

He said the operatives successfully intercepted and arrested the suspects before the alleged plan could be executed.

Babaseyi explained that preliminary findings revealed that the suspects had allegedly conspired to kidnap a Chinese national and demand a ransom of N50 million for his release.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects conspired to abduct a Chinese national and planned to demand a ransom of N50 million. One of the suspects exploited his position as an interpreter and driver within the victim’s company to facilitate the plot,” he said.

The police spokesman further disclosed that investigations uncovered the involvement of another suspect who remains at large.

He stated that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and determine the full scope of the criminal operation.

According to him, the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, vigilance and swift action.

Ojajuni noted that the intervention prevented what could have escalated into a major kidnapping incident.

He also highlighted the importance of credible intelligence and cooperation from members of the public in strengthening security and preventing crime.

The police commissioner reassured residents and members of the business community of the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive security measures.

He urged the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to law enforcement agencies.

A kidnap victim has escaped from captivity during a fierce gun battle between police operatives and armed bandits in Zamfara State.
The incident was disclosed in a post shared on X on Thursday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to the post, the victim was abducted from Dansadau community in Maru Local Government Area before being taken to a hideout by the kidnappers.

However, the situation changed when security operatives launched an operation in the Bukuyum and Anka axis, areas that have seen repeated attacks by bandits in recent months.

“During the operation, a heavy exchange of gunfire broke out between the security forces and the armed criminals,” Makama wrote.

The post stated that the victim, alongside a friend, took advantage of the confusion during the gun battle to escape from their captors.

“Both victims successfully escaped from captivity and are currently safe,” the source said.

Security sources added that efforts are ongoing to reunite the rescued victim with his family.

They also noted that authorities have contacted the Divisional Police Officer in Dansadau to help locate the victims’ relatives and ensure their safe return.