Two police officers lost their lives after the Kaduna State police command foiled a kidnap attempt in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area and rescued nine victims. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at about 12:45 p.m., following credible intelligence that approximately 15 bandits armed with sophisticated weapons were spotted around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometers from Birnin Gwari town.
Rescue Operation Details
The police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed in a statement on Thursday, June 25, 2026, that the bandits had kidnapped several persons working on their farms. Upon receiving the intelligence, the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately mobilized patrol teams, officers of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), and Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS) operatives for a rescue mission.
On arrival, the operatives sighted the bandits and engaged them. Due to superior firepower, the bandits fled on motorcycles into the bush. The team launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee for safety. The following victims were rescued unharmed: Hudu Rabiu (31 years), Yusuf Sagir (20 years), Sagir Rabiu (17 years), Muhammad Kabir (23 years), Kabir Lawal (20 years), Idris Abubakar (17 years), Mustapha Zayyanu (18 years), Kabiru Rabiu (18 years), and Usman Lawal (18 years). They were found tied with ropes and reunited with their families.
Officers Killed in Ambush
Regrettably, while returning from the successful operation, two police officers were ambushed by suspected bandits who had laid in wait along the route. The officers sustained gunshot wounds and died in the line of duty. The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, expressed condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen heroes, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public.
“The Command honours their memory and service to the nation. Meanwhile, investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators responsible for the attack and bring them to justice,” the statement read.
