Police, Vigilantes raid bandits’ hideout in Makarfi, rescue three kidnapped victims

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Operatives from the Kaduna State Police Command, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, have raided a bandits’ hideout in Makarfi Local Government Area, successfully rescuing three kidnapped victims unharmed.

The operation was launched following credible intelligence received on August 21, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., regarding suspicious movements near Gidan Mijin Gwaggo in the Durum area of Makarfi LGA.

Acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, the Makarfi Divisional Police Officer led a joint patrol team of police personnel and local vigilantes to the scene.

It was gathered that upon the security team’s arrival, the armed suspects opened fire.

A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the assailants to retreat and flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot injuries.

A subsequent search of a property belonging to one Yakubu Sule revealed that the residence was being utilized as a hideout where three recently abducted individuals were being held hostage.

Operatives rescued all three victims—including Alhaji Hamza Shuaibu Gimi and two others—unharmed.

A Boxer motorcycle, believed to have been used in the kidnapping operations, was also recovered from the premises.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while security forces continue tracking the fleeing suspects.

CP Rabiu Muhammad commended the operational team and vigilantes for their swift response and seamless collaboration.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and strong community partnerships aimed at eliminating criminal safe havens across Kaduna State.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly share actionable information with security agencies, emphasizing that collective effort remains essential to safeguarding lives and maintaining peace.