Police Rescue Five Kidnapped Travellers Following Gun Duel in Zamfara

Security forces in Zamfara State have successfully rescued five travellers who were abducted by armed bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum Road.

The rescue operation was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Violent Crime Response Unit, following a swift response to a distress call.

According to official security reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening around 7:00 PM when a gang of armed bandits barricaded the highway and seized five commuters. Upon receiving information about the ambush, a police tactical team immediately mobilized to the scene and tracked the kidnappers into the surrounding bush.

The operatives intercepted the fleeing criminals, leading to a fierce gun battle. Outgunned by the security forces, the bandits abandoned their captives and retreated further into the forest, with several of them suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds.

State police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed that all five victims were rescued unharmed. Security forces also recovered two motorcycles left behind by the fleeing criminals.

Abubakar reiterated the law enforcement command’s unwavering commitment to neutralizing criminal elements and securing major transit routes across the state. He further urged members of the public to maintain vigilance and continue assisting security agencies with timely, actionable intelligence to curb rural banditry.