Three Kaduna kidnap victims regain freedom

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Three kidnapped victims have regained their freedom after security operatives dislodged a suspected bandits’ hideout in Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

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The victims were rescued on Thursday following operation around Gidan Mijin Gwaggo, Durum, according to a statement Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mansir Hassan.

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The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Hamza Gimi and two others.

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Hassan, in the statement made available to our correspondent on Saturday, said the operation followed credible intelligence concerning suspicious movements in the area.

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According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, directed the Divisional Police Officer, Makarfi Division, to lead a patrol team, in collaboration with local vigilantes, to the location.

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It said the security team came under fire from the suspected kidnappers upon arrival, leading to a fierce gun duel.

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“The team responded and engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bushes with gunshot injuries,” the statement said.

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The police said a search of a house belonging to one Yakubu Sule subsequently revealed that the building had been used as a hideout by suspected bandits.

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“Three recent kidnapped victims were believed to have been held in the house,” the statement added.

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The command said the victims were rescued unharmed and had subsequently been reunited with their families.

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A Boxer motorcycle suspected to have been used by the kidnappers was also recovered from the premises.

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The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, some of whom were believed to have sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.

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