In a major breakthrough, the Jigawa State Police Command has rescued an 80-year-old kidnapping victim, neutralized five suspected kidnappers, and arrested five others during a coordinated raid in Garki Local Government Area.
The operation, led by Commissioner of Police CP A. T. Abdullahi, was carried out in the early hours of May 16 following actionable intelligence and technical surveillance.
According to reliable sources within the command, the rescue mission was launched after police received information that about 12 armed men on five motorcycles had abducted one Hajiya Hajara, 80, from Minjibir LGA in neighboring Kano State.
A joint team of police operatives from Gagarawa, Gumel, Garki, and Sule-Tankarkar Divisions, alongside Fulani vigilantes and forest hunters under the leadership of ACP Bala Umar, Area Commander Gumel, swiftly mobilized and stormed multiple criminal hideouts, including Wadi Fulani Settlement, GGW Tagwayen Fage, Wusada Fulani Settlement, and Katoro Fulani Camp.
During the raid, a gun battle erupted, resulting in the death of five suspected kidnappers. Five others, including the alleged gang leader, 35-year-old Yahaya from Katoro Fulani Camp, were arrested with gunshot wounds to their legs.
Hajiya Hajara was rescued unhurt, and no casualties were recorded among the security forces.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, one fabricated LAR rifle with 14 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones.
The corpses, wounded suspects, and recovered items were transported to Gumel General Hospital for medical attention and necessary procedures.
Police sources confirmed that no ransom was paid for the rescue of the victim.
