Police Rescue Victims in Bauchi Anti-Kidnapping Operation

The Bauchi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, with the rescue of two abducted victims, the arrest of one suspect, and the neutralization of another during a coordinated security operation.

The operation followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, ordering all Divisional Police Headquarters in the state to intensify security activities within their jurisdictions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said the incident occurred in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

According to the statement, at about 6:30 a.m. on January 27, 2026, a concerned citizen reported the abduction of Abdulhamid Mohammed of Tudun Sullubawa, Bara Village. The victim was reportedly taken from his home around 3:30 a.m. by unidentified suspects.

Habib explained that a high-powered team of police operatives, working alongside local quasi-security groups, tracked the kidnappers to their hideout.

During the operation, a gun confrontation occurred.

One suspect was neutralized, another was arrested, while other members of the group fled the scene. Two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed and taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.

During interrogation, the arrested suspect was identified as Abdulkadir Adamu, a 60-year-old resident of Garin Barde, Bara Village, Kirfi LGA, who police believe to be a key figure in the kidnapping operation.

Items recovered at the scene include:

• One locally made revolver
• One locally fabricated submachine gun
• One live round of ammunition
• Three live cartridges
• One spent cartridge
• One rucksack
• Two keypad mobile phones
• One blindfold scarf
• One water container

The Commissioner of Police has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation, profile all suspects involved, and ensure prosecution in line with the law.

In a related development, Habib disclosed that on January 26, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., a patrol team from Kirfi Division received intelligence from motorists that parts of the Bauchi–Gombe Federal Highway had been blocked by suspected criminals.

The officers immediately responded to the location near Kalajanga Hamlet via Bara Village. Two suspects, identified as Isiya Nasiru, 20, and Umaru Nasiru, 18, were arrested during the operation.

Recovered items from the suspects include:

• Two sticks
• One torchlight
• Three bags
• One bulletproof vest
• One face mask
• One Android mobile phone
• Two pairs of shoes
• Three sets of clothing
• Various local charms

The Bauchi police rescue operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping and highway crime across the state. Authorities have urged residents and travelers to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security forces.