The Gombe State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the neutralisation of three suspected bandits, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the rescue of kidnapped victims following coordinated security operations across border communities in the state.

The command said the operation followed an attempted attack by bandits on Friday, which was successfully foiled due to heavy security deployment in vulnerable areas.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said security agencies had intensified patrols around border communities, frustrating the initial attack.

“On Friday, they (bandits) tried to attack. Unfortunately for them, we have made serious deployment around that axis of Pindiga, Billiri, and Shongom, which are the state’s border communities. The bandits couldn’t make it,” Abdullahi told The PUNCH on Sunday.

According to the police spokesperson, the attackers later launched another assault in the early hours of Saturday at Garin Galadima, in the Lambo community.

“On Saturday morning, by 3 am, they went to Garin Galadima, Lambo, where they killed one and abducted five,” he added.

Abdullahi said the incident prompted an immediate response from the police, local hunters and other security operatives, who swiftly mobilised to pursue the assailants.

“On hearing that, the police, hunters and other security outfits mobilised and followed them,” he said.

He explained that the pursuit resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire between security operatives and the fleeing bandits.

“This led to a serious exchange of fire. We neutralised three bandits, recovered two AK-47 rifles and four magazines, four motorcycles, and also rescued three of the victims,” Abdullahi disclosed.

He, however, noted that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and later died at the hospital.

“Unfortunately, one sustained a gun wound but was later confirmed dead at the hospital,” he said.

The police spokesperson further revealed that a large cache of ammunition was recovered from the suspects.

“We recovered 120 shells of live ammunition,” he added.

Abdullahi assured residents that security operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, noting that some of the fleeing bandits may have escaped with gunshot injuries.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, particularly in border communities prone to criminal incursions, while urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.