Police Engage In Gun Duel With Bandits, Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims After 24 Days In Captivity, Recover Rocket Propel Launcher In Zamfara

The police operatives successfully repelled the attack, forcing the bandits to retreat back to the forest.

A rocket propel launcher and a locally fabricated gun has been recovered as operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command engaged bandits in a gun battle in Gummi, Bukuyyum and Maru local government areas of the state.

At a press conference in Gusau on Thursday January 13, the State Police Commissioner, Ayuba Elkanah, said police operatives successfully repelled the attack, forcing the bandits to retreat back to the forest.

“On 8th January, 2022, Police Tactical Operatives led by the Commanding officer 42 PMF Squadron Gusau, while on extensive bush combing at some locations under Gummi, Bukkuyum and Maru LGAs were heavily engaged to a gun duel by some suspected hoodlums,” the CP stated.

“The Police operatives successfully repelled the attack, forcing the hoodlums to retreat and escaped back to the forest with possible gunshot wounds.

“A rocket propel launcher and locally fabricated gun belonging to the bandits were recovered at the scene.” he added.

The Commissioner also disclosed that seventeen kidnapped victims were rescued by joint military operatives around Dansadau axis in Maru, after one month in captivity.

“On 7th January, 2022 Military operatives deployed along Dansadau road in Maru LGA intercepted and rescued 17 kidnapped victims who were abducted since on the 14th December, 2021 in Wamba Village of Mariga LGA of Niger State,” he stated.

“The 17 rescued victims were handed over to the Command by the Brigade Commander 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau where they were medically checked, debriefed by the Police and handed them over to the Commissioner of Police Niger State Command who would re-unit the victims with their families.

“Finally, I want to call on members of the public to acknowledge the effort of the security agencies in combating crimes and criminalities in the state and continue to pray for the sustenance of peace and tranquility in Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.” the CP concluded.