The Command’s spokesman, Ahmed Wakil, who disclosed this in a press release made available to journalists on Wednesday, said some of the bandits escaped into the forest with various injuries as a result of the superior gun power of the security agents who engaged them.
Wakil, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said one AK-47 rifle and a cache of ammunition were recovered from the bandits.
He said: “On February 4, 2025, at about 05:30am, a coordinated tactical operation was initiated by the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with Special Hunters, aimed at enhancing security in the Gwana District and surrounding border regions associated with Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe States.
“Utilising credible intelligence and established community networks, the operational team encountered suspected bandits during surveillance activities in the Dajin Madan Forest.
“This proactive engagement neutralised two bandits, with reports indicating that additional assailants sustained injuries, scampered in disarray, and retreated into nearby bushes.
“The operation concluded with the recovery of one AK-49 assault rifle, as well as nine rounds of live ammunition, recovered.
“This operation highlights the commitment of our security forces and community partners to combat banditry and enhance public safety. The Nigeria Police Force is steadfast in its mission to collaborate with community stakeholders, thereby ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property while holding accountable those involved in criminal activities.
The PPRO assured that the Nigeria Police Force, alongside its collaborators, will continue to intensify efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, fostering an environment conducive to community resilience and safety.
He said that in light of the escalating security challenges posed by advancing technologies, it is imperative to enhance the Command’s policing capabilities through community engagement.
“To combat rising crime rates effectively,” he said “we encourage all citizens to view security as a collective responsibility. The Command invites the public to support the Nigeria Police Force in its ongoing efforts to ensure everyone feels secure in their home. Together, we can work towards creating a safer community where all residents can enjoy peace of mind.”
In a related development, the Police Spokesman said that the Command’s operatives attached to the Kirfi Divisional Police headquarters, on the 25th January 2025, following information received, arrested one Shehu Isah, male (45) of Unguwan Karofi in Kirfi LGA of the State, lured a five-year-old girl (name withheld), and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her in his room.
“In a related case, on the 16th of January 2025, Detectives attached to Ningi Divisional Police headquarters received a report that on the 15th of January 2025, a ten-year-old (name withheld) ‘f’ reportedly went missing.
“Upon investigation, it was discovered that on the same date at about 2230hrs, one Shafi’u Sule ‘m’ of Katsinawa Tabulawa village was apprehended with the missing girl by Police operatives in conjunction with members of quasi-security around Tsohuwar Ningi area of Ningi LGA, Bauchi State.
“Investigation into the case revealed that the suspect threatened to cut off the victim’s tongue and burn her alive if she dared to shout for help.
“During interrogation, the suspect willingly corroborated the victim’s statement; the Commissioner of Police directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Bauchi for further investigation, after which the suspect will be profiled and charged to court for the established offence for prosecution accordingly,” he stated.
Wakil added that three electric installation vandals were also arrested and stolen items recovered from them.
According to him, on the 25th December 2024, detectives attached to the Command while on night visibility patrol, intercepted one Hamza Mohammed, male (20), of Gwallameji area of Bauchi and Mustapha Sa’idu, male (22) of Rafin Tambari.
He said the two suspects conspired among themselves and trespassed into a house situated at Rafin Tambari area of Bauchi and stole two wheels of vehicle tyre and two bags of cement valued N249,000 as estimated.
“As reported on the 14th of January 2025, the same gang, including one other member named Aliyu Musa ‘m’, conspired among themselves and vandalised an electric aluminium conductor belonging to Jos Electricity Power Company (JED) at Tambari housing Estate, Bauchi State.
“During the investigation, the suspects freely confessed to the crime committed, and it was further revealed that the suspects had already negotiated with one Al-ameen Ibrahim ‘m’ behind the IDC area of Bauchi to purchase the stolen items at his liberty price,” he stated.
The PPRO said that exhibits recovered from the suspects are a bunch of electric aluminium conductor, one hacksaw and one Jincheng motorcycle.
He said investigation is ongoing, after which the suspects would be charged to court for the established offence in collaboration with Jos Electric Distribution Company, Bauchi Branch, for prosecution.
