Bauchi State Police Command has stated that five suspected kidnappers have been neutralised while firearms that they were using for their criminal activities were recovered.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, Auwal Muhammad Musa, during a press briefing he addressed on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Giade Division, Giade LGA of the State.
He stated that “Taping from the fruits of collaboration with relevant security agencies, on February 11, 2024, at about 0200 hours, information at the disposal of the command indicated that some unknown people, numbering not fewer than five, armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded Giade LGA with the sole aim of kidnapping innocent citizens of the locality.”
The CP added that upon receiving the information, a team of detectives, in collaboration with the Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad, swiftly swung into action and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel. As a result, all of the suspected bandits were neutralised instantly.”
According to him, the preliminary investigation uncovered that the suspected kidnappers were invited by one Abdullahi surname unknown from Bauchi and Taraba States, respectively.”
Auwal Musa also pointed out that, “Furthermore, the kidnappers were the same gang who kidnapped one Emeka of Itas-Gadau some times in the year 2023 and collected the sum of N10 million as ransom.”
He added that “they also kidnapped one person in Giade and collected the sum of N774,000; the suspected kidnappers were not limited to kidnapping criminal activities but also engaged in a higher killing, where they were paid, killed, and burned to ashes, one Ibrahim Dodo of Baranda village, Jigawa State.”
“Again, it is the same armed men who terrorised Burra, Ningi, Jama’are, Itas-Gadau, and Giade LGAs in Bauchi State,” he added.
The CP then stressed that the command has not rested on its oars as the personnel have engaged and neutralised some of their gang members in a daring operation at Jama’are, Ningi, and now in Giade LGAs of the state.
He, however, said, It is worthy to note that these successes were made possible through the collective efforts and collaboration made possible with the Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad.”
During the operation, some prohibited firearms were recovered from the suspects, which included 103 live rounds of 7.62x39mm calibre AK-47 rifles, three live rounds of 9mm calibre rifles, four cartridges, five magazines, two locally made pistols, one AK-47 rifle, one AK-49 rifle, and one locally made AK-47.
The CP stressed that “In line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force, as clearly stated in Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Policing Mission and Mandate as enshrined in Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 as amended, my unalloyed commitment and that of the officers and men of this Command is to ensure the safety and security of the people of Bauchi State.”
He said that this will be achieved through practical, proactive policing, community engagement, and strict and effective law enforcement strategies. We are determined to create a peaceful and crime-free environment in which all residents of Bauchi State can flourish.”
According to him, “Our vision is to be a highly professional and trustworthy police force that serves as a beacon of excellence in maintaining law and order. We aim to build a strong partnership with community members, local organisations, and law enforcement agencies to foster a safe and secure environment for all and sundry. My vision for effective policing in Bauchi State will rest on active community engagement.”
“There is no denying that community policing is the cornerstone of a safer society. I am wholeheartedly committed to operationalizing community policing from a concept into an indispensable operational tool,” he added.
He then explained that “in community engagement, the police should be visible, accessible, and responsive to the public at all times; know and be known to the public; respond to the communities’ needs; listen to the communities’ concerns; engage and mobilise the communities; be accountable for their activities and the outcome of the activities.”
Furthermore, he said, “In line with the core principles and responsibilities outlined in Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigerian Police Act 2020, I shall leverage our available human and material resources to enhance the overall well-being of the people of Bauchi State.
“This will be achieved through active collaboration with community leaders, organisations, and residents to build trust and collaborate on joint problem-solving by focusing on the enforcement of laws, the preservation of peace, the protection of our citizens, and the maintenance of law and order.”
“I am also grateful to the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Federal Republic of Nigeria, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, a consummate Super Cop with consummate skills. Also, I wish to express my profound gratitude to Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, Governor of Bauchi State, for his unwavering support and commitment to the security and safety of Bauchi State,” the CP added.
Auwal Musa once again restated his plain pledge, absolute dedication, commitment, and resolve to the principles of proactive policing strategy for a safe and secure community where citizens sleep with both eyes closed, stressing that I am mindful of the fact that to succeed in this noble quest, collaborative operations and strategy remain non-negotiable.”
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