By IBRAHIM BELLO

The Police Command in Kebbi has rescued five kidnapped victims and arrested three suspects following a security operation in Suru Local Government Area.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi.

Usman said the operation followed credible intelligence that armed men had invaded Dolen Kwandage Village and abducted three residents.

He identified the victims as Samaila Abubakar, 35; Dayyaba Muhammadu, 32; and Balki Hakimi, 31.

“Police operatives, working with local vigilantes, mobilised to the area and pursued the assailants.

“The encounter that followed compelled the kidnappers to abandon their captives,” he said.

Usman said the three newly abducted residents were rescued alongside two women previously held captive.

They were identified as Moe Muddaha, 50, and Hadiza Bello, 30, both from Yarma Village.

He said all five victims were rescued unhurt and taken to General Hospital, Dakingari, for medical examination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were subsequently reunited with their families.

The police spokesman identified the arrested suspects as Umaru Janyo, 49; Bube Kwaire, 28; and Muhammadu Gyade, 22.

He said Janyo and Kwaire were from Bendu Village, while Gyade hailed from Tindifai Village.

Usman added that other gang members escaped with suspected gunshot injuries sustained during the encounter.

“Items recovered from the suspects include one unregistered Haojue motorcycle, ₦308,000 cash, one chain and one jerrican.

“The command has intensified patrols and surveillance in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing gang members and bring them to justice,” he said.

Usman quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Umar Hadejia, as commending the operatives and vigilantes for their prompt response and effective coordination.

Hadejia reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and dismantling criminal networks.

He also urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information, the spokesman said. (NAN)