Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have dislodged a suspected bandits’ hideout in Makarfi Local Government Area and rescued three kidnapped victims unharmed.
The Command disclosed this in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, on Saturday.
According to the statement, credible intelligence was received at about 10:00am on Thursday, August 21, 2026, regarding suspicious movements around Gidan Mijin Gwaggo, Durum village in Makarfi LGA.
Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Makarfi Division led a patrol team to the location.
“Upon sighting the approaching security personnel, the kidnappers opened fire. The team responded and engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bushes with gunshot injuries,” the statement said.
A subsequent search of a house belonging to one Yakubu Sule revealed that it was being used as a hideout by suspected bandits. Police believe three victims kidnapped recently were being held there.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Hamza Shuaibu Gimi and two others. A Boxer motorcycle suspected to have been used by the kidnappers was also recovered from the premises.
“The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” DSP Hassan stated.
Commending the personnel and vigilantes involved, CP Muhammad praised their prompt response and effective collaboration. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and stronger community partnerships to deny criminal elements safe havens in the state.
The Commissioner urged residents of Makarfi and Kaduna State at large to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
“Collective efforts remain critical to the protection of lives and property and the sustenance of peace across the State,” he added.
The operation comes amid ongoing security operations in Kaduna and other North-West states aimed at curbing kidnapping and banditry.
