The Jigawa State Police Command said it has rescued an 80-year-old woman kidnapped in Kano State, neutralized five suspected kidnappers, and arrested five others in a coordinated operation in Garki Local Government Area.

The rescue operation followed intelligence and technical analysis led by the Commissioner of Police, Jigawa Command, CP A. T. Abdullahi.

The operation was carried out on May 16 at about 1:30 a.m. after the police received information that a group of about 12 armed criminals riding five motorcycles had kidnapped one Hajiya Hajara, 80, from Minjibir LGA of Kano State.

Acting on the intelligence, a joint team of police operatives from Gagarawa, Gumel, Garki, Sule-Tankarkar Divisions, supported by Fulani vigilantes and forest hunters under the leadership of ACP Bala Umar, Area Commander Gumel, launched a raid on criminal hideouts.

The hideouts included Wadi Fulani Settlement, GGW Tagwayen Fage, Wusada Fulani Settlement, and Katoro Fulani Camp all in Garki LGA.

?During the raid, a fierce gun duel ensued, which led to the neutralization of five suspects, while five others, including the alleged kingpin, Yahaya (35), of Katoro Fulani Camp, were arrested with gunshot injuries to their legs,? he said.

The kidnapped victim, Hajiya Hajara, was rescued unhurt.

Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, one fabricated LAR rifle with 14 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, and two handsets.

All recovered items, corpses, and arrested suspects were taken to Gumel General Hospital for treatment and autopsy.

Sources from the command confirmed that no ransom was paid and no casualties were recorded among the security operatives. (Zagazola: Text, Excluding Headline)