In a daring operation, law enforcement agencies in Bauchi state, Nigeria, have rescued 16 kidnapped individuals from the clutches of criminals in the Lame Burra Forest of Ningi Local Government Area. The joint effort, under Operation Restore Peace (ORP), witnessed the valiant intervention of police, military personnel, and local hunters during a routine patrol.
The meticulously planned operation, executed on September 2, 2023, led to the successful liberation of the captives, while several kidnappers met their end. The authorities are now in hot pursuit of the remaining suspects, who managed to escape with gunshot wounds.
According to SP Ahmed Wakil, the official spokesperson for the Bauchi Police Command, the kidnappers had established their den atop a mountain in the Shande area of Kurmi village, located on the outskirts of Burra. The victims, hailing from various villages in the region, endured harrowing circumstances before their rescue.
The rescued individuals include Zahariya Ibrahim, 17, and Walida Idi, 16, both females from Burra; Maryam Shehu, 25, from Sabon Gida Mazai village; Abubakar Adamu, 15, and Muntari Badamasi, 40, both from Burra; Ibrahim Abdullahi, 15, and Sani Abdullahi, 10, both from Ruwan Dinya village; Ibrahim Rabi’u, 30, from Shaka Leme village; Saleh Umaru, 35, from Sumaila Local Government Area; Isah Tashi, 20, from Kere Village; and Tasi’u Abdullahi, 30, from Shaka Leme Village.
Among those rescued, several individuals sustained injuries during their captivity. They include Alh. Shuaibu, Alh. Bammi, Mai Unguwa from Shende village, Dantsoho Mai Shayi, and Abubakar, who were immediately transported to Burra General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
SP Ahmed Wakil provided insight into the operation, stating, “Upon encountering the combined security forces, the kidnappers engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted approximately two hours. In response, our operatives displayed remarkable courage and overcame the criminals with superior firepower, resulting in the rescue of 16 victims, five of whom suffered injuries while the remaining 11 were safely liberated.”
The successful mission underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies in Bauchi to restore peace and security to the region, sending a clear message that criminal activities will not go unpunished.
