Police Kill Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 After Gun Battle in Plateau

The operation, which took place on Wednesday evening, was part of ongoing efforts by the police to clamp down on rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Plateau State.

The suspected kidnapper has been killed and an AK-47 rifle recovered after operatives of the Plateau State Police Command engaged armed criminals in a fierce gun battle in Changal Village, Gindiri District of Mangu Local Government Area.

The spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday. He explained that detectives attached to the Gindiri Division were carrying out a targeted operation at about 5:30 pm after receiving intelligence on the activities of suspected criminals operating within the area.

According to the police, the operatives were trailing members of a notorious gang allegedly led by one Ibrahim Abdullahi, who has reportedly been terrorising residents of Gindiri and neighbouring communities through kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The statement noted that the police team came under heavy attack when the suspects sighted the operatives and opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest.

“Our team immediately responded professionally, and a gun duel ensued between them,” the statement said.

During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspected kidnappers was shot and neutralised by the operatives, while others attempted to flee the scene. The police disclosed that one of the fleeing suspects sustained a fracture in his leg while trying to escape and was subsequently apprehended by officers.

The injured suspect was later rushed to a hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment under police watch.

The command further revealed that several other suspects connected to the criminal gang were arrested during the operation, while security personnel also recovered dangerous weapons and other exhibits believed to have been used in their criminal activities.

Items recovered from the suspects included one AK-47 rifle loaded with sixteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Police operatives also recovered a Redmi mobile phone believed to belong to one of the gang’s victims.

The police described the recovery as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes in Mangu and surrounding communities, noting that the operation was carried out successfully despite the risks involved.

The command added that the case has been transferred to the Violent Crimes Response Unit for further investigation. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang who may still be at large.

The suspects currently in custody are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Bassey Ewah, commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage, professionalism and swift response during the attack.

He assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state and will continue intensifying operations against criminal elements threatening peace in local communities.

The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime and arresting offenders.

Residents of Gindiri and neighbouring communities have in recent times raised concerns over increasing incidents of kidnapping and attacks by armed groups, prompting intensified security operations across the area.