The Kebbi State police command says it rescued five abducted persons and arrested three suspects in Dakingari, Suru Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, said the operation followed credible intelligence that armed men had invaded Dolen Kwandage village.

He stated that the armed men abducted three residents namely; Samaila Abubakar, 35, Dayyaba Muhammadu, 32, and Balki Hakimi, 31.

Mr Usman said that police working along with vigilantes, mobilised to the area and pursued the assailants. 

He stated, “The encounter that followed compelled the kidnappers to abandon their captives, leading to the successful rescue of the three newly abducted victims and two other women, Moe Muddaha, 50, and Hadiza Bello, 30, both from Yarma Village, Suru LGA, who had earlier been held in captivity.”

According to him, all five victims were rescued unhurt, and taken to the General Hospital, Dakingari, for medical examination and subsequently reunited with their families.

Mr Usman said the operation also led to the arrest of three suspects: Umaru Janyo, 49, and Bube Kwaire, 28, both of Bendu Village, and Muhammadu Gyade, 22, of Tindifai Village. 

He explained that other members of the criminal gang reportedly escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.

The police said items recovered included one unregistered Haojue motorcycle, cash totalling ₦308,000, one chain and one jerry can.

He added that the command had intensified security patrols and surveillance in the area, adding that sustained efforts were underway to track down the fleeing members of the gang and bring those involved to justice.