….. neutralize 5 suspected kidnappers.
Five suspected kidnappers have reportedly been neutralized, according to the Bauchi State Police Command, and the weapons they were using to carry out their illegal acts have been recovered.
During a press briefing held in the Giade Division, Giade LGA of the State on Monday, February 12, 2024, Auwal Muhammad Musa, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, disclosed the information.
He stated that “Taping from the fruits of collaboration with relevant security agencies, on February 11, 2024, at about 0200 hours, information at the disposal of the command indicated that some unknown people, numbering not fewer than five, armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded Giade LGA with the sole aim of kidnapping innocent citizens of the locality.”
The CP said, “A team of detectives, working with the Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad, immediately acted upon receiving the information and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel.” Consequently, all of the alleged bandits were promptly neutralised.
He says that preliminary investigation revealed that one Abdullahi surname unknown from Bauchi and Taraba States, respectively, invited the alleged kidnappers.
Auwal Musa also pointed out that, “Furthermore, the kidnappers were the same gang who kidnapped one Emeka of Itas-Gadau some times in the year 2023 and collected the sum of N10 million as ransom.”
He added that “they also kidnapped one person in Giade and collected the sum of N774,000; the suspected kidnappers were not limited to kidnapping criminal activities but also engaged in a higher killing, where they were paid, killed, and burned to ashes, one Ibrahim Dodo of Baranda village, Jigawa State.”
“Again, it is the same armed men who terrorised Burra, Ningi, Jama’are, Itas-Gadau, and Giade LGAs in Bauchi State,” he added.
The CP went on to emphasise that the command has not been idle, as evidenced by the personnel’s audacious operation in Jama’are, Ningi, and now the Giade LGAs in the state, which involved engaging and neutralising some of their gang members.
But he said, “It is important to remember that the cooperation and teamwork with the Ahmed Ali Kwara Hunters Squad made these victories possible.”
103 live rounds of 7.62x39mm calibre AK-47 rifles, three live rounds of 9mm calibre rifles, four cartridges, five magazines, two locally made pistols, one AK-47 rifle, one AK-49 rifle, and one locally made AK-47 were among the prohibited firearms that were retrieved from the suspects during the operation.
The CP stressed that “In line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force, as clearly stated in Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Policing Mission and Mandate as enshrined in Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 as amended, my unalloyed commitment and that of the officers and men of this Command is to ensure the safety and security of the people of Bauchi State.”
He stated that community involvement, tough and efficient law enforcement tactics, and proactive, hands-on police will all help achieve this. We are committed to establishing a tranquil, law-abiding community where all Bauchi State citizens can live happy, fulfilling lives.
According to him, “Our vision is to be a highly professional and trustworthy police force that serves as a beacon of excellence in maintaining law and order. We aim to build a strong partnership with community members, local organisations, and law enforcement agencies to foster a safe and secure environment for all and sundry. My vision for effective policing in Bauchi State will rest on active community engagement.”
“There is no denying that community policing is the cornerstone of a safer society. I am wholeheartedly committed to operationalizing community policing from a concept into an indispensable operational tool,” he added.
In terms of community engagement, he went on, “the police should always be visible, approachable, and responsive to the public; know and be known to the public; respond to the needs of the communities; listen to the concerns of the communities; engage and mobilise the communities; and be accountable for their activities and the results of the activities.”
In addition, he declared, “I will use our human and material resources to improve the general well-being of the people of Bauchi State in accordance with the fundamental values and duties stated in Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigerian Police Act 2020.
“This will be achieved through active collaboration with community leaders, organisations, and residents to build trust and collaborate on joint problem-solving by focusing on the enforcement of laws, the preservation of peace, the protection of our citizens, and the maintenance of law and order.”
“I am also grateful to the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, Federal Republic of Nigeria, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, a consummate Super Cop with consummate skills. Also, I wish to express my profound gratitude to Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, Governor of Bauchi State, for his unwavering support and commitment to the security and safety of Bauchi State,” the CP added.
Auwal Musa reiterated his unequivocal promise, total dedication, commitment, and resolve to the proactive policing strategy principles for a safe and secure community where residents can sleep soundly, emphasising that he is aware that cooperative operations and strategy are necessary to succeed in this admirable endeavour.
