The Jigawa State Police Command has rescued an 80-year-old woman kidnapped in Kano State, killed five suspected kidnappers, and arrested five others during a coordinated raid in Garki Local Government Area.
The successful operation, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, May 16, followed intelligence and technical tracking led by the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP A.T. Abdullahi.
According to police spokesman, the operation began after the command received information that a group of about 12 armed men riding five motorcycles had kidnapped one Hajiya Hajara, 80, from Minjibir LGA in Kano.
A joint team of police operatives from Gagarawa, Gumel, Garki, and Sule-Tankarkar divisions, supported by Fulani vigilantes and local hunters, stormed multiple criminal hideouts in Garki LGA. These included Wadi Fulani Settlement, GGW Tagwayen Fage, Wusada Fulani Settlement, and Katoro Fulani Camp.
A fierce gun battle followed, during which five suspects were killed. Five others, including the suspected gang leader, 35-year-old Yahaya of Katoro Fulani Camp, were arrested with gunshot wounds.
The victim, Hajiya Hajara, was rescued unharmed.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, a locally made LAR rifle with 14 rounds of live ammunition, two motorcycles, and two mobile phones. The bodies of the dead suspects and those injured were taken to Gumel General Hospital.
Police confirmed that no ransom was paid, and no officers were injured during the operation. Investigations are ongoing, while the suspects remain in custody.
