This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.
The rescue operation was launched on June 24, 2026, after security agencies received intelligence that about 15 heavily armed bandits had abducted several farmers around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, located a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.
Acting on the information, the Area Commander of Birnin Gwari, alongside the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), mobilised patrol teams, Police Mobile Force personnel and Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVIS) operatives to the area.
Security operatives encountered the suspects and engaged them in a gun battle. Faced with superior firepower, the bandits fled on motorcycles into nearby bushes. The team pursued the fleeing criminals, forcing them to abandon their captives and escape.
The rescued victims were identified as Hudu Rabiu, 31; Yusuf Sagir, 20; Sagir Rabiu, 17; Muhammad Kabir, 23; Kabir Lawal, 20; Idris Abubakar, 17; Mustapha Zayyanu, 18; Kabiru Rabiu, 18; and Usman Lawal, 18.
According to the police, the victims were found bound with ropes and left behind by their abductors. They were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
However, tragedy struck while the operatives were returning from the successful mission. Two police officers were reportedly ambushed by suspected bandits who had laid in wait along their route.
The officers sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and later died in the line of duty.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, sympathised with the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased officers, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of the courage, dedication and selflessness displayed by security personnel committed to protecting lives and property.
He said the command would continue to honour the memory and service of the fallen officers.
The police commissioner also assured residents that investigations and tactical operations were ongoing to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attack.