The Kaduna State Police Command claimed on Thursday that its officers prevented a bandit attack on innocent citizens in the state’s Chikun Local Government Area.

According to the report, the agents removed robbers who attacked a squad of officers accompanying traders.

In a statement, ASP Muhammed Jalige, Police Public Relations Officer, Kaduna Command, said that on December 22, 2021, at about 0930hrs, a team of Policemen escorting a convoy of traders from Udawa village in Chikun LGA along Birnin Gwari to Kaduna came under heavy gunshots by armed bandits, leading to the kidnapping of scores of traders.

Following the incident, he claimed, the police unit was reinforced, the bandits were engaged in a tactical chase, and the operatives were successful in rescuing forty-eight people.

ASP Jalige went on to say that the Officers’ accuracy of approach led the bandits to flee, abandoning their victims and fleeing with gory bullet wounds.

He stated that rescued traders were profiled and then securely transported to their destination.

He stated that the Command believes one lady is still missing, and that efforts are being made to assure her safe return, while more soldiers would be sent to the region to protect the lives and property of the civilian population.

The statement said the Commissioner of Police commended the Officers for their resilience in the face of danger while serving their fatherland and tasked them to be adequately equipped and alert while embarking on such duties.

In a related development, three suspects were arrested and 1,454 bottles of Benylin with codeine syrup, 44 adulterated Gluta White Cream and 8 bags of chemicals recovered.

“On the 22nd of December 2021 at about 1800hrs the Police patrol team attached to Sabon Gari Division, Zaria while on confidence-building patrol along Kaduna – Zaria road intercepted an unregistered Ford car vehicle and upon search of the vehicle, 1,454 bottles of Benylin with codeine syrup, 44 pieces of adulterated Gluta white cream and 8 bags containing chemicals were recovered.” He said

According to him, the development led to the arrest of three occupants of the said vehicle while preliminary investigation revealed that the products were to be supplied to suspected bandits in Yakawa Wada village of Giwa LGA Kaduna State.

“The investigation is currently ongoing as effort is geared towards apprehending the recipient of the products to subsequently charge them to court for prosecution.” the statement said.