The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that a senior officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kundi Dauda Abubakar, was injured during a police operation in Jahun Local Government Area. The incident occurred on the morning of December 21 at the Atuman Fulani settlement, a known hideout for suspected criminals in the area.
Police sources revealed that the operation was a targeted raid following credible intelligence about the location of criminals who had previously attacked police officers in the area. These suspects were reportedly involved in an attack on policemen at the Divisional Police Officer’s (DPO) quarters in Aujara, Jahun LGA, on November 25, during which a riot gun was stolen.
According to police insiders, a team of officers led by ACP Kundi Dauda Abubakar stormed the suspected hideout in response to the intelligence. The aim of the operation was to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen riot gun.
However, the mission did not go as planned. The suspects had reportedly anticipated the raid and laid an ambush. During the confrontation, the criminals attacked the police officers using arrows, leading to a tense and dangerous exchange.
“During the confrontation, ACP Kundi Dauda Abubakar was struck by an arrow. He was immediately evacuated to Jahun General Hospital, where he received treatment and is currently in stable condition,” a source said.
Two of the suspects were also shot during the clash but managed to escape despite their injuries. Security forces have launched an intensive search to track down the fleeing criminals and recover the stolen riot gun.
Jahun Local Government Area, like many rural communities in northern Nigeria, has been vulnerable to criminal activities, including armed robbery, cattle rustling, and attacks on security personnel. The region’s isolated settlements, such as the Atuman Fulani settlement, provide hideouts for criminals to evade law enforcement.
Incidents like the one on November 25, when officers were attacked at the DPO’s quarters in Aujara, underscore the dangers police officers face while performing their duties in high-risk areas. Such attacks often involve the theft of police firearms, which increases the threat level and complicates law enforcement efforts.
The Jigawa State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and apprehending criminals. Following the ambush, police have intensified patrols and launched coordinated operations in Jahun and surrounding areas to prevent further attacks and bring the suspects to justice.
Security officials have highlighted the importance of community cooperation in providing timely intelligence to help locate criminals. In areas like Jahun, where settlements are scattered and access can be difficult, collaboration between residents and security forces is critical for effective policing.
ACP Kundi Dauda Abubakar, who sustained injuries during the ambush, is a senior officer with extensive experience in counter-crime operations. His leadership during the operation highlights the risks police officers face in northern Nigeria while carrying out their duties against well-armed and organized criminal groups.
The police sources confirmed that ACP Abubakar is recovering well in Jahun General Hospital. His condition has been described as stable, and he is expected to return to duty after medical evaluation.
Following the raid, police teams, supported by local intelligence, are conducting a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. Efforts are also being made to recover the stolen riot gun, which remains a key priority given its potential danger in criminal hands.
Attacks on police officers have become increasingly common in several northern states, including Jigawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Sokoto. Criminal gangs, often heavily armed, use ambushes and hit-and-run tactics to evade capture and steal firearms. These incidents not only endanger the lives of security personnel but also destabilize local communities.
Residents of Jahun have expressed concern over the incident but praised the police for their swift response and continued presence in the area. Community leaders have urged the police to increase patrols and maintain a visible presence to deter further criminal activity.