Police kill six suspected kidnappers, recover firearms in Bauchi

The Bauchi police command says its operatives have killed six suspected kidnappers during an operation in Ningi LGA area of the state.

Addressing journalists on Friday, Auwal Musa, commissioner of police in the state, said officers recovered arms and ammunition during the operations.

“We have not only confiscated illegal arms and ammunition from individuals, but also suppressed criminal activities in the border communities of Alkaleri, Ningi, and Toro local government areas of Bauchi state,” Musa said.

“On October 18, 2024, the command, acting on actionable intelligence, apprehended Abdullahi Ibrahim, a 42-year-old, for illegal possession of two AK-47 rifles and 343 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition with one magazine.

“The suspect claimed that he acquired the firearms from his deceased uncle for self-defence and protection of their livestock, at the cost of N250,000 for the rifle and N100,000 for sixty-five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.”

Musa said the remaining ammunition was abandoned by a fleeing bandit in the vicinity of their village after a confrontation.

“Operatives attached to the Ningi Area Command engaged suspected kidnappers in the villages of Balma, Dogon Ruwa, Lumbu, and the Burra mountain area, all situated within the Ningi local government area,” he said.

“During the encounter, the superior firepower of the operatives resulted in the neutralization of six hoodlums, while several others scampered in disarray into the bushes, possibly with gunshot injuries.

“Consequently, the following items were recovered from the suspects: two AK-49 rifles, one FNC rifle, one locally-made single-barrel gun, fourteen rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three (3) magazines and eighty sheep.

“Mop-up of illegal firearms from public spaces and arrest of suspects in connection with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.”

The commissioner said the command is collaborating with sister security agencies and local stakeholders to enhance community policing, adding that citizens should promptly report suspicious activities.