The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped victims from a suspected bandits’ hideout in Makarfi Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, including Alhaji Hamza Shuaibu Gimi, were rescued on Thursday following a gun duel between security operatives and suspected kidnappers at Gidan Mijin Gwaggo, Durum, in Makarfi LGA.

In a statement, the command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the operation followed credible intelligence on suspicious movements in the area.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, directed the Divisional Police Officer, Makarfi Division, to lead a patrol team, in collaboration with local vigilantes, to the area.

According to him, the suspected kidnappers opened fire after sighting the approaching security team, leading to a gun battle.

“The team responded and engaged the assailants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bushes with gunshot injuries,” he said.

Hassan said the operatives subsequently searched a house belonging to one Yakubu Sule and discovered that it was being used as a hideout for suspected bandits.

He said three recently kidnapped victims were found in the house and rescued unharmed.

A Boxer motorcycle suspected to have been used by the kidnappers was also recovered from the premises, according to the statement.

The police spokesman said the victims had since been reunited with their families, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police commended the police personnel and local vigilantes involved in the operation for their prompt response and effective collaboration.

He assured residents of Makarfi and other parts of the state of the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and strengthened community partnerships to deny criminals safe havens.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to the police to help protect lives and property and sustain peace across the state.