One suspected kidnapper killed, AK-47 recovered in Toungo gun battle in Adamawa

By: Zagazola Makama

One suspected kidnapper has been killed and an AK-47 rifle recovered during a gun battle between security operatives and armed men in Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Friday at Tipson Village, when a combined patrol team of police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) encountered a group of gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

A security source told Zagazola that the patrol team engaged the suspects in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“As a result of the gun duel, one of the suspects was neutralised, while others escaped with suspected bullet wounds,” the source said.

According to the source, one AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 31794, without a magazine, was recovered from the scene.

The deceased suspect was later identified as Rabiu Alhaji Shehu, a resident of Mayo Butali Village in Toungo LGA.

Zagazola gathered that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit has been detailed to carry out a discreet investigation, while patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further criminal activities,” the source added.

One suspected kidnapper killed, AK-47 recovered in Toungo gun battle in Adamawa

Police dismantle child trafficking syndicate, rescue 8-year-old in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The police in Nasarawa State have dismantled a suspected child trafficking syndicate and rescued an eight-year-old boy who was allegedly sold for N3 million.

Sources said that the breakthrough followed information received on Jan. 14 that a missing child, Jeremiah Bikwo, was in protective custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Abia State Police Command.

The boy had reportedly told investigators that he was an indigene of Loko in Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.

“Further investigations confirmed that the child hails from Ogobo Village in Loko. Detectives then extended their inquiries to Abia State, where it was discovered on Jan. 17 that the victim had been sold for N3 million,” the source said.

According to the source, six suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

They include Chilaka Calista Nneka, 33; Chigbu Cynthia, 36; Michael Ibeh Chioma, 52; and Victoria Ositadinma, 53 – all from Abia State – as well as Alhassan Bama, 35, of Ogobo Village, Loko LGA, and Jacob Jonah, 38, of Olegefe Village, also in Loko LGA.

Zagazola gathered that all the suspects have confessed to their roles in the trafficking of the child.

“The suspects are currently in custody, while further investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate,” the source added.
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Police rescue two abducted victims in Gusau, search for others continues

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Zamfara State have rescued two victims abducted by suspected bandits during a midnight attack on a residence in Gusau Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:20 a.m. on Sunday at Igala Quarters, Damba area of Gusau, when a group of armed men stormed the house of one Nasiru Kurya and fired sporadically before abducting his wife, Surayya Nasiru, 30, and two other persons.

“On receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised his men to the scene and confirmed the incident. A search operation was immediately launched across the area,” the source said.

He explained that during the combing of the vicinity and adjoining routes, the police rescued two of the abducted victims identified as Nura Sani, 23, and Abdulgafar Hassan Buba, 23, unhurt.

The source added that the rescued victims were taken to the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, for medical checks and further care.

According to him, efforts are in top gear to rescue the remaining abducted victim from the hands of the bandits and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

Police rescue two abducted victims in Gusau, search for others continues