The Bauchi State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crime following the rescue of two abducted victims and the arrest of five suspected kidnappers in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out through a joint security effort involving police operatives, military personnel and local vigilantes, led to the safe recovery of a 40-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son who were kidnapped by armed men earlier this week.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, describing the operation as part of the police’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
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According to the statement, the incident occurred on June 2, 2026, when heavily armed suspects stormed a residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet, Pali District of Alkaleri LGA and abducted the two victims.
Habib said police operatives attached to the Pali Outstation immediately responded after receiving a distress report and launched an intelligence-driven operation to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives from Pali Outstation immediately visited the scene of the crime and commenced intelligence-led operations to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims,” the statement said.
Acting on credible intelligence, security personnel traced the suspects to Kuka Village in Duguri District, where three individuals were arrested on the same day.
The suspects were identified as Mainasara Umaru, 23; Buba Umaru, 20; and Muhammadu Usman, 19.
Police said investigations and interrogation of the suspects subsequently led to fresh intelligence that uncovered the whereabouts of additional accomplices and the victims.
The breakthrough resulted in the arrest of two more suspects, including Ahmadu Umaru, in Dalgade on June 3.
According to the police, one of the suspects allegedly confessed to having knowledge of the kidnapping operation and provided information that assisted investigators in locating the victims.
“Following intelligence-driven operations, the kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt on June 3, 2026. They have since been taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination and attention,” Habib stated.
The victims were reportedly reunited with family members after undergoing medical evaluation.
The command said all five suspects remain in custody while the matter has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation and prosecution.
Authorities also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover weapons allegedly used during the operation.
The latest success comes as security agencies across northern Nigeria intensify efforts to curb rising incidents of kidnapping and banditry that have continued to threaten rural communities.
In recent months, security forces have stepped up intelligence-led operations across several states to disrupt criminal gangs responsible for abductions, armed attacks and ransom-related crimes.
The Bauchi Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in combating criminal activities across the state.
