Police operatives in Bauchi State have killed 12 suspected kidnappers in four different hideouts in Alkaleri local government area of the State.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Muhammad Wakil, disclosed this to journalists in a statement in Bauchi on Monday.
He said Police personnel on operation in Mansur, Digare, Gwana and Dajin Madam in Alkaleri Forest neutralised the gunmen during a gun duel.
“On the 19th December 2022 at about 0230hrs a Joint Operation of security operatives engaged suspected bandits/kidnappers in four different hideouts; Mansur, Digare, Gwana and Dajin Madam in Alkaleri forest.
“Following the hot exchange of superior fire-power by the operatives which left twelve (12) of the kidnappers neutralized while others were subdued, dislodged, and scampered in disarray into the nearby bushes with possible gunshot wounds and abandoned their Camp.
“Consequently, weapons and operational motorcycles were recovered during the operation,” the statement reads in parts.
Alkaleri local government area of the State hosts the Kolmani oil field where exploration started a few weeks ago. However, before the exploration began, the area grappled with the activities of gunmen who kidnapped innocent residents of the area for ransom.
The Police Command, however, added that it was intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.
