Two police officers were killed by suspected bandits after security operatives successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims during a joint operation in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were rescued on June 24, 2026, following a swift response by security personnel to intelligence reports that armed bandits had abducted several farmers around Unguwan Sa’idu village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.
Sources said the intelligence indicated that about 15 heavily armed bandits operating on motorcycles had invaded the area and kidnapped a number of residents working on their farms.
Upon receiving the report, the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised a joint team comprising conventional police personnel, operatives of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), and members of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS) to the scene.
On arrival, the security team reportedly encountered the bandits and engaged them in a gun duel. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the operatives, the criminals fled into the bush on motorcycles while abandoning their captives.
The operatives immediately launched a hot pursuit, forcing the bandits to retreat further and enabling the rescue of nine victims who were found tied with ropes and left behind by their abductors.
The rescued victims were identified as Hudu Rabiu, Yusuf Sagir, Sagir Rabiu, Muhammad Kabir, Kabir Lawal, Idris Abubakar, Mustapha Zayyanu, Kabiru Rabiu and Usman Lawal. They were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
However, tragedy struck as the security team was returning from the successful operation. Two police officers were ambushed by suspected bandits who had allegedly laid in wait along the route.
The officers sustained gunshot injuries and later died while serving in the line of duty.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commiserated with the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen officers, describing their sacrifice as a demonstration of courage, dedication and selflessness.
He assured that investigations and tactical operations were ongoing to track down those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.