By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

The Police Command in Kaduna State has rescued two kidnapped victims and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Ikara Local Government Area.

The command said the operation was conducted following credible information on the presence of suspected kidnappers around Auchanawa and Wambai areas of the local government.

A statement issued on Wednesday by DSP Mansir Hassan, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Kaduna, said the DPO, Ikara, led police operatives in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Service and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to the area.

Hassan said the security team engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel upon arrival at the identified location.

He said the operatives subsequently cleared the surrounding bushes and dismantled the kidnappers’ camp.

“Two kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, while two suspected kidnappers were also neutralised during the encounter.

“Several other suspects fled into the surrounding bushes, some with possible gunshot wounds,” he said.

The PPRO, however, said three CJTF members were killed during the operation, while two police officers sustained gunshot wounds.

He said the injured officers were receiving medical attention.

The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Muhammad Rabiu, commiserated with the families of the fallen CJTF members and wished the injured officers a speedy recovery.

Rabiu urged members of the public to continue to provide the police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.

He assured residents that clearance operations would continue until criminal elements were completely dislodged from their hideouts.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s determination to protect lives and property and restore lasting peace and security across the state. (NAN)