Police operatives in Kaduna State have rescued nine kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

However, two police officers were killed in a subsequent ambush by the fleeing criminals after the successful rescue operation.

The Kaduna State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.

According to the statement, credible intelligence received on June 24, 2026, indicated that about 15 armed bandits wielding sophisticated weapons had been sighted around Unguwan Sa’idu Village, a few kilometres from Birnin Gwari town.

The suspects were reported to have abducted several farmers from their farmlands.

Upon receiving the information, the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised patrol teams, including personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVIS), and proceeded to the area on a rescue mission.

“On arrival, the operatives sighted the bandits and engaged them in a gun duel. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security personnel, the bandits fled on motorcycles into the bush,” Hassan said.

He added that the operatives launched a hot pursuit, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee.

The rescued victims were identified as Hudu Rabiu, Yusuf Sagir, Sagir Rabiu, Muhammad Kabir, Kabir Lawal, Idris Abubakar, Mustapha Zayyanu, Kabiru Rabiu and Usman Lawal.

According to the police spokesman, the victims were found tied up with ropes and abandoned by their abductors.

“They were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families,” he stated.

Hassan, however, disclosed that tragedy struck while the operatives were returning from the mission.

“Regrettably, while returning from the successful operation, two police officers were ambushed by suspected bandits who had laid in wait along the route. The officers sustained gunshot wounds and sadly paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen officers.

He described their sacrifice as a testament to the courage, dedication and selflessness of security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect citizens.

“The Command honours their memory and service to the nation,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.

The police said investigations and tactical operations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.