The Zamfara State Police Command on Thursday said it rescued eleven kidnap victims along Gusau-Sokoto Road and neuralised an armed bandit in a gun battle.
The command also said it is on the trail of the kidnappers who escaped into the forest with a victim.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Shehu, the incident occurred at Dogon Karfe axis of the state at about 1pm on Wednesday.
“Yesterday at about 1300hrs, large number of armed bandits blocked Gusau – Sokoto Road at Dogon Karfe axis scaring commuters to scamper for safety. Police Tactical operatives on patrol along the road quickly mobilzed to the location. On arrival at the scene, they were heavily engaged in a gun duel by bandits who already abducted innocent commuters and were about to take them to the forest. The operatives gallantly repelled them, deterring the hoodlums from further onslaught on the commuters.
“During the encounter, one of the bandits was fatally injured while eleven (11) Kidnapped victims were instantly rescued by the operatives.
“The command is intensifying various search and rescue strategies to safely rescue the remaining other victim who was taken to the forest before Police arrival. All the rescued victims were reunited with their families.”
Shehu therefore said the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Hussaini Rabiu, has reiterated the commitment of command to bring an end to the lingering security challenges in the state.