Security agents have rescued 23 persons kidnapped by bandits in the Kajuru Forest, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The spokesman for the state police command, Mansir Hassan, confirmed the news in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.
He said the operation conducted by police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kajuru Division and military personnel followed credible intelligence about the movement of bandits in the area.
Hassan said the security operatives had advanced into the bush near Doka Village in the Kajuru LGA, where they encountered the bandits who attempted to relocate their victims to Kajuru Forest.
The statement read: “On 2nd February 2025, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of armed bandits in Kajuru area, security operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kajuru Division and military personnel advanced into the bush near Doka Village in Kajuru Local Government Area, where they encountered a gang of armed bandits trying to relocate with their victims to Kajuru Forest.
“During the encounter, security forces inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits, forcing them to retreat and flee into the forest with gun wounds, resulting in the rescue of 23 kidnapped victims, who had earlier been reported kidnapped in Kauru LGA.
“The victims have been safely reunited with their families.
“Meanwhile, the area has been placed under heightened surveillance and aggressive patrols to prevent further criminal activities.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Rabiu Muhammad assures the public that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents and will continue to work in line with the ideals, vision, and mission of His Excellency Sen. Uba Sani on the security of the state, collaborating with military and other security agencies to combat crime and maintain peace across the state.
“The command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents, and we will continue to work in line with the ideals, vision, and mission of Governor Uba Sani on security.”