Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kaduna State Police Command has recorded a bittersweet victory in the ongoing battle against banditry in the North-West, successfully rescuing nine farmers abducted by armed bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area — but at a devastating cost. Two police officers were killed in a ruthless ambush by fleeing criminals during the return journey from the operation.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, by the Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The intelligence indicated that about 15 armed bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, had been sighted around Unguwan Sa'idu village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town, and had abducted several farmers working on their farmlands.
Acting swiftly, the Area Commander of Birnin Gwari and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised a joint team of patrol officers, Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel, and operatives of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS). The security team proceeded to the location on a rescue mission.
Upon arrival, the operatives located the bandits and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, the criminals fled on motorcycles into the dense bush. The police launched a hot pursuit, forcing the bandits to abandon their captives in a desperate bid to escape.
The nine victims, who had been tied up with ropes and left behind by their abductors, were successfully rescued unharmed. They were identified as Hudu Rabiu, 31; Yusuf Sagir, 20; Sagir Rabiu, 17; Muhammad Kabir, 23; Kabir Lawal, 20; Idris Abubakar, 17; Mustapha Zayyanu, 18; Kabiru Rabiu, 18; and Usman Lawal, 18. They were immediately reunited with their families.
The mission, however, ended in tragedy. While the security team was returning from the successful operation, suspected bandits who had laid in wait along the route ambushed the convoy. Two police officers sustained fatal gunshot wounds and paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, expressed deep condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers. He described their sacrifice as a testament to the courage, dedication, and selflessness of security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the public. "The Command honours their memory and service to the nation," the Commissioner stated.
The police have confirmed that investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
This operation highlights the relentless and often fatal nature of the fight against banditry in Nigeria's North-West. While the rescue of the nine farmers is a significant victory, the loss of two officers serves as a stark reminder of the heavy price paid by those on the front lines of Nigeria's security crisis.
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