Man killed in crossfire as police gun down 3 bandits in Gombe

The Police Command in Gombe State has confirmed the neutralisation of three suspected bandits and the rescue of three abducted persons following coordinated security operations in Lambo village, Pindiga District of Akko Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a press statement issued in Gombe on Sunday.

According to Abdullahi, police received reports of coordinated attacks allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits across Rahama, Lambo and Garin Galadima villages, all within Pindiga District of Akko LGA.

He explained that at about 2pm on Saturday, information revealed that the suspects invaded Rahama Village through Gagarabami, where they shot and killed a 70-year-old man, Tela Ahmadu, before abducting his two sons.

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Abdullahi added that at about 3.40pm, the same group proceeded to Lambo Village, where they abducted Babayo Garba, Malam Abba Musa and 20-year-old Baayo Bayi.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, Police Tactical Teams under Operation Hattara, in collaboration with hunters and vigilante groups, swiftly mobilised and engaged the bandits in a gun duel.

“During the operation, the said Baayo Bayi, was unfortunately caught in the crossfire and later confirmed dead, while Babayo Garba and Malam Abba Musa were successfully rescued.

“Three of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries,” he said.

The spokesperson further disclosed that two AK-47 Rifles, 68 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunitions, four magazines, 120 Expended 7.62mm Ammunition Shells, four operational motorcycles and the bodies of three bandits neutralised were recovered during the operation.

He said the rescued victims were taken to an hospital for medical examination, while efforts were ongoing to rescue the two victims abducted from Rahama Village and to arrest the fleeing suspects.