Police, forest guards rescue two kidnapped victims in Bauchi

Two people earlier kidnapped by suspected bandits have been rescued during a joint security operation in Gwamnare Forest, Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to the statement, the operation followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, where he ordered tactical units to intensify operations in communities recently affected by kidnapping and ensure the safe rescue of victims.

“The security team launched the operation in response to repeated kidnapping incidents in Dogon Ruwa and Rafin Chiyawa villages around the Gwamnare Forest.”


The statement further reavealed that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU), conventional police personnel and members of the Forestry Guards after receiving a situation report at the Ningi Division at about 10:00 a.m. on July 1, 2026.

“The operation led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims identified as Alhaji Yahaya, 50, of Masallachi Hamlet in Dogon Ruwa Village, and Alhaji Kabiru of Gwamnare Forest,” the statement added.

The police said both victims were rescued unharmed, while no security personnel was injured during the operation.

According to the statement, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims believed to still be in captivity within the forest.

Commending the operatives, CP Aliyu praised their courage and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to eliminating kidnappers and other violent criminals from forests and other hideouts across the state.

“We remain committed to flushing out kidnappers and other criminal elements from every part of Bauchi State. Our operations will continue until lasting peace and security are restored,” the commissioner said.

He also assured residents of Dogon Ruwa, Rafin Chiyawa and neighbouring communities that security operations would be sustained to protect lives and property.