The Kaduna Police Command says its operatives have rescued three kidnap victims and neutralised a bandit.

The command’s public relations officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said that at about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the police operatives in Jere received information from a reliable informant regarding an invasion by some bandits at Rugar Sojidi, a Fulani settlement.

He said the bandits had kidnapped three individuals.

“Upon receiving the information, a team of police operatives was promptly mobilised to the scene, and on arrival, it was discovered that the local inhabitants had resisted the bandits, and our troops successfully neutralised one of the bandits.

”An AK-47 rifle and six rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene, while all the kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed.

”The nearby bush area was thoroughly combed for the possible arrest of any suspects,” he said.

Mr Hassan also disclosed that on the same date, at about 1:30 a.m., the divisional patrol team, in collaboration with local vigilance group members, successfully foiled an armed robbery along the Kano-Zaria Road.

“The patrol team encountered armed robbers and suspected cattle rustlers who had blocked the road with logs of wood and stones.

“A shootout ensued, and the superior firepower of the police patrol team forced the criminals to flee into the surrounding bushes, abandoning their blue Gulf vehicle with registration number APP 166 DG.

“The road was promptly cleared, allowing motorists to continue their journeys safely,” he added.

Mr Hassan said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and comb the surrounding bushes.

“Patrol and monitoring activities along the highway are being intensified to ensure the free and safe movement of travellers,” Mr Hassan said.

He said the state commissioner of police, Ali Dabigi, has lauded the bravery of the officers and assured the public of continued commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.

(NAN)