Eight bandits have been slain by Bauchi State Police Command operations working with the Hunters Group during gunfights.

Three kidnapped victims were also freed, according to a statement released by police public relations officer (PPRO) for Bauchi State Command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, and provided to media in Bauchi yesterday.

He claims that the operation was conducted on April 22, 2024, in response to reliable intelligence the Command got about questionable activity close to the state line with Plateau State.

He claimed that while on a regular patrol, the detectives from the Gumau, Tilde, and Tulu Divisions came across armed bandits. They retaliated with gunfire in self-defense, neutralizing four suspected kidnappers in the process.

“Two of the suspects in their eleventh hour, who later died, confessed to multiple kidnapping incidents across Bauchi and Plateau states, including the heinous killing of a village head in Ruruwai village, Lame district, Toro local government area of Bauchi State, on March 17, 2024.

“Based on the information provided by the late suspects, the detectives proceeded to the kidnappers’ hideout to rescue three kidnapped victims from Dokayel village, who were taken captive on April 20, 2024.

“In a subsequent firefight with the remaining accomplices guarding the hostages, four (4) kidnappers were also neutralised, and the three (3) captives were safely rescued without any ransom paid.”

Wakil went on to say that this action is proof of the command’s devotion and diligence in defending the lives and property of the state’s citizens.

The troops and officers participating in the operation have received praise for their professionalism and bravery from the state commissioner of police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad.

He urged them to keep doing the good work of upholding the law. Additionally, he exhorted the public to trust law enforcement and work together by being watchful and supplying helpful information.