Police in Nigeria’s Bauchi State rescued two abducted civilians and killed a suspected bandit during an overnight clash near Yankari Game Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary and former national park. The operation, confirmed by authorities on Saturday, unfolded after armed attackers stormed Kataraje village, abducting 60-year-old Ango Mallam Idi and 35-year-old Musa Alhaji Shumo in the early hours of August 8.
According to police spokesperson CSP Ahmed Wakil, the assailants struck around 2:30 a.m., injuring two other villagers—Rabiu Alhaji Sale, 50, and Alhaji Sale Akko, 45—before fleeing with hostages. Vigilant community members alerted security forces, prompting a rapid response from joint police units. Medical teams treated the wounded while officers pursued the attackers into the surrounding area.
The chase escalated into an armed confrontation, culminating in the death of one bandit and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle. Both kidnap victims were freed without physical harm and reunited with their families, Wakil confirmed. Bauchi State Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu commended the operatives for their “courage and professionalism,” emphasizing the command’s resolve to combat criminal networks through sustained operations.
Authorities reiterated calls for public cooperation, urging residents to share timely information to bolster security efforts. Kidnapping for ransom and banditry have plagued parts of northern Nigeria in recent years, with criminal groups often targeting rural communities. The swift resolution of this incident reflects ongoing efforts to address security gaps in vulnerable regions.
Yankari Game Reserve, located near Alkaleri town, is a notable tourist destination, though its remote terrain occasionally provides cover for criminal activity. Police did not specify whether the bandits were linked to larger armed factions operating in the area. Investigations into the attack continue as security forces remain on high alert.
