In order to stem the tide of rampant cases of kidnappings, cattle rustling and armed banditry along Toro, Gumau and Ningi Axis, the Bauchi State Police Command in collaboration with a renowned hunter Ali Kwara organized a well-coordinated operation relying on actionable intelligence and stormed Yuga forest, a notorious hideout for kidnappers in Toro LGA of Bauchi State between 5/1/2017 to date in order to apprehend the hoodlums and rescue several hostages who were held captives and awaiting ransom payment by their families.

On sighting the police/hunters, suspects opened fire which triggered a fierce gun battle.  After incurring heavy casualties, hoodlums abandoned their rifles and escaped into the Bush with bullet wounds.

In a related development, following intelligence report, the command also arrested 19 suspected kidnappers in various locations as follows; 3 suspects in Yuga Forest, Toro LGA, 1 suspect in Jimi village of Darazo LGA, 1 suspect in Tama District of Toro LGA, 2 suspects in Ningi LGA, 3 suspects in Kundum of Bauchi LGA, 3 in Giwa hamlet of Toro, 3 suspects in Ganjuwa LGA, 1 suspect in Tashan Durumi in Toro LGA and 2 suspects from Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State respectively. The command further arrested a suspected informer and negotiator of the kidnappers in Gilliri Village of Bauchi LGA.

Exhibits recovered include:

Eight AK 47 Rifles

One AK 49 Rifle

One G3 Rifle

Two Automatic Pump Action

One double barrel gun

One Single Barrel gun

One Sub Machine gun

One Locally made Pistol

Six Machetes

Eleven Magazines

Forty Nine (49) Cartridges

Nineteen (19) ammunition of LAR rifle

Three Hundred and Thirty (330) assorted Ammunition

Sum of Three hundred and Eighty Eight Thousand One Hundred and Ninety Naira (#388,190.00)

One charm

One padlock and chain

Two blue magazine bags

Two Expanded ammunition of 7.62mm

One Jincheng Motorcycle

Three GSM Phones

Thirty Seven Cows (37)

Twelve Sheep (12)

Meanwhile, Forty Eight hostages were rescued in good condition of health.  And efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects. Members of the public are urged to assist the police with useful information by reporting suspicious persons, especially those with bullet wounds to the nearest police station for prompt action.