The Gombe State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the neutralisation of three suspected bandits, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the rescue of kidnapped victims following coordinated security operations across border communities in the state.
Speaking in a telephone interview with PUNCH online, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed that security forces had earlier thwarted an attempted attack by bandits on Friday due to heavy deployment across vulnerable areas.
“On Friday, they (bandits) tried to attack. Unfortunately for them, we have made serious deployment around that axis of Pindiga, Billiri, and Shongom, which are the state’s border communities the bandits couldn’t make it,” he said.
According to him, the attackers later struck in the early hours of Saturday at Garin Galadima in Lambo community.
“On Saturday morning, by 3 am, they went to Garin Galadima, Lambo, where they killed one and abducted five,” he added.
Abdullahi said the attack triggered an immediate response from security forces and local vigilantes.
“On hearing that the police, hunters and other security outfits mobilised and followed them,” he said.
He explained that the pursuit resulted in a fierce gun battle between security operatives and the bandits.
“This led to a serious exchange of fire. We neutralised three bandits, recovered two AK-47s and four magazines, four motorcycles and also rescued three of the victims.
“Unfortunately, one sustained a gun wound, but was later confirmed dead at the hospital,” he added.
The police spokesperson further revealed that a large cache of ammunition was recovered from the fleeing suspects.
He added, “We recovered 120 shells of live ammunition.”
Abdullahi assured residents that security operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, noting that many may have escaped with injuries.
The Gombe State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly in border communities prone to criminal incursions, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.
