The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims during a joint security operation in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out by a combined team comprising operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, officers from the Ningi Police Division and Forestry Guards, followed renewed efforts to curb rising kidnapping incidents in parts of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that the operation was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu.
According to the statement, the police commissioner had ordered tactical teams to move into communities recently affected by abductions to intensify rescue operations and track down suspected kidnappers.
Abubakar said the security operatives launched the operation on July 1 through the Rafin Chiyawa axis into Gwamnare Forest after receiving reports of persistent kidnapping attacks in Dogon Ruwa and Rafin Chiyawa villages.
He said the team successfully rescued two victims identified as Alhaji Yahaya, 50, from Masallachi Hamlet in Dogon Ruwa Village, and Alhaji Kabiru, who was abducted in the Gwamnare Forest area.
The police spokesperson added that no life was lost and no casualties were recorded during the operation.
He, however, noted that security operatives were continuing efforts to secure the release of other victims believed to still be held by the kidnappers.
Abubakar said the Commissioner of Police commended the joint security team for its bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He also reassured residents of Dogon Ruwa, Rafin Chiyawa and neighbouring communities that the command remained committed to sustaining operations aimed at flushing criminal elements from forests and restoring security across the state.