The Zamfara State Police Command has rescued five travellers who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum Road in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the rescue followed a swift response by operatives of the Anti-Violent Crime Response Unit.
According to him, the incident occurred on June 10 at about 7 p.m. when armed bandits reportedly barricaded the road and abducted five travellers.
“Upon receiving the distress information, the police team immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated rescue mission,” Abubakar said.
He explained that the operatives pursued the suspects into the surrounding bush and engaged them in a gun battle.
“The operatives pursued the suspects into the surrounding bush, where they intercepted the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a gun battle.
“Faced with the superior firepower and determination of the police operatives, the criminals abandoned their mission and fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds,” he stated.
Abubakar said the operation led to the successful rescue of all five victims, who were unharmed.
He added that two motorcycles believed to have been used by the bandits were recovered during the operation.
The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and ensuring the safety of residents.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid efforts to combat crime.