•Policemen
A suspected kidnapper was killed, and an AK-47 rifle was recovered after gunmen attacked a police team in Changal Village, Gindiri District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident in a statement today.
According to the statement, the attack occurred yesterday at about 5:30pm while police detectives attached to the Gindiri Division were trailing suspected criminals in the area.
“As part of efforts put in place by the Plateau State Police Command to curb crime and criminality, the Command has successfully neutralised a suspected kidnapper and recovered a firearm in Mangu Local Government Area,” the police said.
The Command said the operatives came under attack from armed men allegedly led by one Ibrahim Abdullahi, described as a notorious suspect terrorising residents of Gindiri and neighbouring communities, reports The PUNCH.
“Our team immediately responded professionally, and a gun duel ensued between them. In the process, one of the suspects was neutralised, while the other suspects have been arrested.
“One of the suspects who sustained a fracture in the leg while trying to escape was taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle loaded with sixteen (16) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and one Redmi Phone belonging to one of their victims,” he said.
According to the command, the case has been transferred to the Violent Crimes Response Unit for further investigation, while the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bassey Ewah, commended the operatives for what he described as their bravery and professionalism during the operation.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against crime and criminality in the state.
