The Police Command in Kaduna said its operatives foiled attempt to kidnap six travelers along Buruku-Birnin Gwari road after a gun battle with a large number of criminal bandits who attempted to abduct them.
Spokesperson for Kaduna Police Command ASP Mohammed Jalige, said in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna said the incident occurred on Monday at about 12 noon.
According to the police spokesperson, the kidnappers blocked the road and attempted to abduct travelers.
“Criminal bandits in large number had blocked some commuters at Kwanan Janruwa along Buruku-Birnin Gwari road and were shooting sporadically in their desperate move to whisk away the occupant of the vehicles.
“Upon receipt of the information, men and logistics were quickly mobilised and dispatched to the location alongside other sister security agencies, where a serious gun battle ensued.
“The security agencies were able to force the bandits to retreat and flee into the forest with varying degrees of injuries, while the six victims were rescued unharmed,” he added.
He said the operation led to the recovery of two vehicles, a Golf 2 car with registration number AR 73 MKA and a Golf 3 sedan, registered DKA 241 XA.
“The victims were taken to the station, profiled and subsequently reunited with their loved ones.
“However, more effort is in place to checkmate bandits hibernating around the axis to guarantee the safety of road users,” the command spokesman said.
In a related development, police operatives attached to Zaria Area Command have intercepted a suspicious Golf sedan vehicle, with registration number XC 383 LFA.
Jalige said the vehicle was intercepted in Zaria and a search led to the recovery of a fabricated AK47 rifle.
He however said that no arrest was made, as the occupants of the vehicle hurriedly escaped.
“Both the vehicle and the rifle are in police custody as investigation is ongoing in a bit to arrest the owner of the said exhibits for prosecution,” he said.
