Security operatives comprising a combined team of police officers and soldiers have foiled a kidnap attempt by bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
One of the bandits was killed by the security operatives in the process, while an AK-47 Rifle and nine motorcycles were recovered from them.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Mohammed Jalige, confirmed the incident to Channels Television via a phone conversation on Tuesday.
He said security operatives drawn from Police Operation Puff Adder and the Army’s Operation Thunder Strike intercepted the bandits who are on their nefarious mission at Sabon Sara, along the Abuja-Kaduna highway on Monday afternoon.
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According to him, the security operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel, during which one of the bandits was neutralized, while the rest of the criminal elements retreated into the forest due to the superior firepower of the security forces.
“Upon search of the general area, an AK-47 rifle and nine bandits operational motorcycles were recovered while the high spirited operatives are not resting on their oars in ensuring the safety of motorists and other legitimate road users,” he said.
Reacting, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Yekini Ayoku, commended the exemplary commitment and gallantry exhibited by the security operatives and assured them that their sacrifices towards ensuring public safety will not go unrewarded.
The police commissioner also called on the public to report any person or group nursing gunshot wound to the nearest security formation, assuring them of prompt response at all times.
Banditry has been rife in Kaduna and other North-Western states, with many being killed and others kidnapped for ransom.
Despite the assurance of the Federal Government as well as various state governments, the bandits have continued to have a field day.
Just three days ago, they abducted no fewer than 50 wedding guests travelling along the Sokoto-Zamfara road.
They were returning to Gusau after attending a wedding of their colleague in Sokoto State when the incident happened between Tureta-Bakura road.
