16 Kidnapped Nigerians Rescued By Security Forces In Bauchi State

Security operatives in Nigeria successfully rescued 16 people kidnapped by gunmen in Bauchi State.

Out of the 16 people, 11 were rescued unhurt, while five of the victims sustained various degrees of injuries, Premium Times reported on Monday.

Following the rescue operation Saturday, the injured victims--Shuaibu Kurmi of village Burra, Bammi Kongoro of village Burra, Mai Unguwa Shende of village Burra, Dantsoho Mai Shayi Kurmi of village Burra, and Abubakar Matigwai village of Sumaila LGA Kano State--were evacuated to Burra General Hospital, and were currently receiving medical treatment.

The gunmen had kidnapped these 16 people in Bura and surrounding forests between Ningi and Toro local governments of Bauchi State. The successful operation was held by a combined team of police, army, and other quasi-security.

Bauchi State police's spokesperson, Ahmed Wakili disclosed details of Operation Restore Peace, revealing there was an exchange of fire for over two hours, which killed several suspected kidnappers.

"Operation Restore Peace, on a routine patrol, stormed the kidnappers' den located on top of the mountain situated at Shande village area of Kurmi, a village at the outskirts of Burra," Wakili said, Premium Times reported Monday. "On sighting the team of combined operatives, the kidnappers started firing at the operatives. In response, the operatives repelled the kidnappers with superior firepower, which lasted for about 2 hours."

"Efforts are being intensified to arrest and prosecute the fleeing suspects with possible bullet wounds; the investigation into the incident is still ongoing," he added.

Wakili noted, "Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command, Auwal Muhammad, has urged members of the public to immediately report suspicious persons with suspected bullet wounds visiting any medical care centers to the nearest police station, or call the police emergency/toll number, 08151849417."

Among the total 16 victims, 14 belong to Ningi and Toro local governments of Bauchi State, while others are from the Sumaila local government area of Kano State.

The 11 unhurt victims included three women identified as 17-year-old Zahariya Ibrahim of Dana Village Burra; 16-year-old Walida Idi of Sabon Gida Mazai Village Burra; and 25-year-old Maryam Shehu of Sabon Gida Mazai Village Burra.

The other eight included 15-year-old Abubakar Adamu of Ruwan Dinya village Burra; 40-year-old Muntari Badamasi of Shaka Leme village Burra; 15-year-old Ibrahim Abdullahi of Ruwan Dinya Village Burra; 10-year-old Sani Abdullahi of Ruwan Dinya Village Burra; 30-year-old Ibrahim Rabi'u of Shaka Leme Village Burra; 20-year-old Isah Tashi of Kere Village Burra; 30-year-old Tasi'u Abdullahi of Shaka Leme Village Burra and 35-year-old Saleh Umaru of Matigwai village from Sumaila LGA Kano State.

In a recent report, SB Morgen--Nigerian-based geopolitical intelligence platform--said 3,620 individuals were abducted, while N5 billion has been demanded by the kidnappers in ransom in just one year.