Security operatives on Friday engaged bandits rescued kidnap victims and killed one of the bandits, leaving others with bullet wounds on the Kaduna-Zaria expressway.
Kaduna Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the development in a statement said, people kidnapped by the bandits were rescued and cattle rustled recovered.
The Commissioner said the bandits had earlier attacked a Fulani settlement at Kukumake village where they kidnapped people and rustled cattle.
According to him: “Troops and police operatives in the early hours of today, Friday, 7th May 2021 engaged armed bandits in the Rigachikun axis of the Kaduna-Zaria dual carriageway in Igabi LGA.
“The bandits had earlier attacked a Fulani settlement belonging to a popular herder, Damina Kukumake, at Kukumake village.
“The bandits who kidnapped some members of the herder’s family also rustled several cattle and were making their escape when security agencies received a distress call.
“The security personnel comprising troops of the army and air force, as well as police operatives, made contact with the bandits as they attempted to cross the Kaduna-Zaria expressway.
“In the fierce gun duel, a notorious bandit, one Habu Bawale, was neutralised. Many other bandits escaped with bullet wounds.
“During the gunfight, the abducted hostages escaped and the rustled cattle scattered. After a check, the remaining cattle were recovered as some were confirmed to have been killed in the skirmish.
“Troops and police operatives are now combing the general area in a clearance operation,” Aruwan said.