The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced that it neutralised armed bandits in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State and intercepted another suspected armed bandit in another part of the state.
NPF disclosed that it recovered 9 operational motorcycles and 2 bicycles in the process, while it also rescued Augustine Madubiya, a student from the Department of Economics at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK).
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Friday, Madubiya was kidnapped on April 8, 2025, at Unguwar Jeji, Kalgo LGA of Kebbi State.
“The Nigeria Police Force has once again achieved significant victories in the fight against various types of violent crime, including armed banditry and kidnapping. Successes from these coordinated operations have resulted in the neutralization of armed bandits, the disruption of their networks, and the safe rescue of a kidnapped university student.
“Police Operatives of the Katsina State Police Command, in a collaborative effort with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante outfits conducted two successful operations that dealt a severe blow to armed banditry in the state.
“On April 10th, 2025, at about 4:15 AM, a joint security team, led by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force proceeded to a suspected bandit route in Dutsen Wori village, Dandume Local Government Area, where the team successfully ambushed a group of suspected armed bandits along the route, leading to the neutralization of 5 armed bandits and the recovery of 7 operational motorcycles which were used by the bandits in their criminal activities.
“In a separate operation on the same date, at about 7 AM, the joint security team, acting on credible information, intercepted suspected armed bandit in Unguwar Adam and Unguwar Judo villages, Danmusa LGA. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the dislodging of the bandits’ hideout. 3 suspected informants, who were providing information and logistical support to the bandits, were apprehended and 2 operational motorcycles and 2 bicycles were also recovered during the operation.
“In a similar development, operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command has successfully rescued Augustine Madubiya, a 23-year-old student of the Department of Economics at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) who was kidnapped on April 8, 2025, at Unguwar Jeji, Kalgo LGA of Kebbi State,” ACP Adejobi stated.
He revealed that the rescue operation was conducted by a combined team of police officers and vigilantes in the Dakingari forest on April 10, 2025 – and upon sighting the team of operatives, the kidnappers took to their heels.
The spokesperson said that the victim was rescued unhurt and is currently receiving medical treatment at a local facility before being reunited with his family.
Adejobi mentioned that the successful operations highlight the importance of collaboration between the police and local communities.
He also noted that the achievements demonstrate the resolve of the NPF to combat armed banditry and similar violent crimes, thereby ensuring the safety and security of communities across the country.
Reacting to the feats, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the gallant operatives of the police, Nigerian Armed Forces and local security groups.
The security agency affirmed that it remains dedicated to protecting the lives and property of all residents as investigations towards apprehending the remaining suspects and dismantling their entire criminal networks continue.
