Three suspected bandits have been killed by police operatives during a rescue operation in Lambo village, Pindiga District of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the development on Sunday in a statement by its spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi.
He said the operation followed reports of violent attacks and abductions carried out by armed bandits in Rahama, Lambo and Garin Galadima villages within the district.
According to the police, the attackers struck Rahama village at about 2.00pm on Saturday, killing a 70-year-old resident, Tela Ahmadu, and abducting his two sons. Less than two hours later, the same group reportedly moved to Lambo village, where they abducted Babayo Garba, Malam Abba Musa and 20-year-old Baayo Bayi.
DSP Abdullahi said police tactical teams operating under Operation Hattara, alongside local hunters and vigilante groups, responded promptly and engaged the bandits in a gun battle.
During the exchange, Baayo Bayi was fatally injured, while Babayo Garba and Malam Abba Musa were rescued. Three of the bandits were neutralised, with others fleeing into nearby forests with suspected gunshot injuries.
Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, 68 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, four magazines, 120 spent cartridges, four motorcycles used by the suspects and the bodies of the slain bandits.
The rescued victims were taken to hospital for medical examination. The police said efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted victims from Rahama village and to track down the fleeing suspects.
