By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Kebbi State Police Command has killed a suspected kidnap gang leader and arrested another member during a joint security operation in Bagudo Local Government Area of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the operation followed the arrest of a suspected gang member who subsequently led security operatives to the group’s hideout.
According to the police spokesman, the suspected gang leader, identified as Jiji Mujugu, attempted to flee during the operation and opened fire on the security team. The operatives responded, fatally wounding him in the exchange.
Usman said another suspected gang member, Bube Tukur, was arrested at the hideout, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased kingpin and the arrested suspect belonged to an eight-man kidnapping gang that had been terrorising several communities in Bagudo and adjoining areas.
The police said the gang was linked to a series of abductions and violent crimes in Geza, Adawa, Matsinkai, Sharabi, Illela, Suru and Dakin Gari communities.
The command further disclosed that the gang was responsible for the abduction of a prominent resident, Alhaji Abu Geza, from Geza Village.
Usman said security operatives successfully rescued the victim during the raid on the hideout.
He added that a locally fabricated pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from one of the suspects, while investigations continue to apprehend the remaining gang members.
