Nigerian Police rescue 24 kidnap victims in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command has rescued 24 victims who were abducted in Gurgurawa Village of Bungudu Local Government Area of the state on Friday night, February 18. 

Addressing Journalists on Saturday, spokesperson of the command, SP Mohammed Shehu, said the victims were rescued following a gun battle between the security personnel and the terrorists.

“On 18th February, 2022 at about 2300hrs, Police Tactical operatives attached to 42 PMF Squadron Gusau, on Anti – Banditry Operations along Gurgurawa axis in Bungudu LGA, received a distress call that, armed bandits in large number have invaded Gurgurawa village and abducted some community members,” the PPRO stated.

“On receiving the information, the Tactical Operatives in Collaboration with the Vigilante group of the area, swung into action and mobilized to the location for an extensive search and rescue operation. On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums started shooting sporadically, but were repelled by the operatives. As a result of the superior fire power of the Tactical operatives, the hoodlums fled and abandoned the victims.

“Fourteen (14) victims mostly women have been rescued at the scene, while Ten (10) others who scamppered for safety escaped back to the village unhurt. The victims received medical treatment before being debriefed by the Police. All have been reunited with their families.

Similarly, seven operational motor cycles, belonging to the bandits have been recovered during the operations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ayuba N. Elkanah commended the resilience of the operatives and enjoins them to sustain the tempo, while assuring members of the public of Police continuous commitment to end the lingering security challenges bedeviling the state.