The Bauchi State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal elements in the state, rescuing two kidnap victims and apprehending five suspected members of an abduction gang during a coordinated security operation in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
The breakthrough was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib.
According to the police, the ordeal began on June 2, 2026, when heavily armed assailants invaded a residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet, located in the Pali District of Alkaleri LGA, and forcefully whisked away a woman and her adult son.
Habib said security operatives wasted no time in launching a manhunt after receiving a distress report about the incident.
“Immediately the report reached us, officers attached to the Pali Outstation mobilised to the area and commenced a targeted intelligence operation aimed at identifying the culprits and securing the safe return of the victims,” he stated.
Acting on credible intelligence, a joint task team comprising police operatives, military personnel and local vigilantes tracked down and arrested three suspects in Kuka Village, Duguri District, on the day of the abduction.
The suspects were identified as Mainasara Umaru, 23, Buba Umaru, 20, and Muhammadu Usman, 19.
Police authorities said the arrests followed a trail of intelligence that led investigators directly to the suspects’ hideout.
The operation gathered further momentum on June 3 when investigators arrested two additional suspects after one of those already in custody allegedly provided useful information regarding the abduction and the victims’ location.
The fresh lead subsequently led security operatives to Dalgade, where another suspect, Ahmadu Umaru, was taken into custody.
In a major relief for the affected family, the abducted victims were later found and rescued unharmed during an intensified follow-up operation.
“Through sustained intelligence-driven efforts, our operatives successfully secured the release of the victims on June 3, 2026. They were rescued without injuries and have since been taken to the General Hospital in Alkaleri for medical evaluation and care,” Habib said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that all five suspects are currently being held as detectives intensify investigations into the case.
He added that the matter has been transferred to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, while efforts are underway to track down other gang members who remain at large and recover weapons believed to have been used during the operation.
The latest success comes amid continued security efforts across the country. Earlier this week, the Edo State Police Command recovered the bodies of two kidnap victims in Ovia North-East Local Government Area and arrested a suspect linked to the crime.