By: Abdullahi InuwaÂ
The Kebbi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of a suspected gang member and the neutralisation of a notorious kidnap kingpin during an operation in Bagudo Local Government Area.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
According to the statement, the success followed credible intelligence provided by a vigilant member of the public, leading police operatives, working in collaboration with other security agencies, to arrest Bube Tukur, a native of Yarma Village in Suru Local Government Area and resident of Kasuwar Daji in Bagudo.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect is a member of an eight-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for the abduction of Alhaji Abu Geza.
During the operation, security personnel recovered a locally fabricated pistol and a live cartridge from the suspect.
Further interrogation led to the rescue of the kidnapped victim, Alhaji Abu Geza, who was freed unharmed.
The suspect subsequently guided operatives to the hideout of the gang’s alleged leader, Jiji Mujugu, described by authorities as the mastermind behind a series of kidnapping activities across several communities in the state.
Upon arrival at the hideout, the gang leader reportedly opened fire on security personnel and attempted to flee. Police operatives responded, engaging the suspect in a gun duel during which he was neutralised.
A locally fabricated pistol was also recovered from the deceased gang leader.
Police said the criminal gang had been terrorising residents of Geza, Adawa, Matsinkai, Sharabi, Illela, Suru, Dakin Gari, Bagudo, and surrounding communities, creating fear and insecurity among residents.
The Command noted that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the gang who escaped during the operation.
Commending residents for their support and cooperation, the Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid crime-fighting efforts.
He assured that all information received would be treated with the utmost confidentiality and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities through the emergency numbers 09039911876 and 07081074395.
The latest operation underscores the determination of the Kebbi State Police Command and other security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
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