Operatives ofBauchi State Police Command have killed three kidnappers and bandits that were terrorising Alkaleri Local Council and taking cover at the Yankari Games Reserve.

The Command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil , who confirmed the development yesterday, saidtwo AK47 rifles were recovered from the kidnappers while some of them were arrested.

He said: “ Operatives of the Command conducted another Joint Operation (JTF) in Alkaleri Local Council of Bauchi State on the eve of the New Year in conjunction with other sister security agencies to strike kidnappers/bandits’ hideouts at Dajin Madam and Yankari’s thick forests.

Several bandits were neutralised and dislodged from their enclaves, while others escaped in disarray into deep forest with possible bullet wounds.

“In the same vein, the troops sustained patrol and clearance operations around the thick forests to arrest the fleeing suspects. Consequently, two Ak47 rifles were recovered during the operation.

Recall that the state governor, Bala Mohammed,last week cried out overincessant killing of the rural dwellers at Rimi, Magama Bagwas, Mansur, Pali and Yalo villages.

Lamentingthat over 20 people were killed within two months, Mohammed tasked residents to arm themselves against the killers.

Meanwhile,the state Police Command havesaidtwo suspects were arrested on December 27, 2022, at about 16:00 hours byoperatives attached to the Command Anti-Kidnapping unit base 4, following “credible intelligence available at their disposals.”

The police identified the suspects as Adamu Mohammed, 33, who was arrested alongside his accomplice, Datti Alh. Bulama (aka Dattuwa), 35,all male of Maimadi ward via Pali district.

The Command’s spokesperson said investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Adamu Muhammad,

confessed to have participated in kidnapping activities in Kaltanga village where they kidnapped four people and camped them at Yankari Forest for about five days, until N20 million was paid as ransom.

“Out of which, N30,000 was given to him as his share of the proceeds of the crime.” (The Guardian: Text, excluding headline)