The Gombe State Police Command has rescued three abducted persons and recovered arms and other exhibits following a coordinated operation against suspected bandits in Pindiga District, Akko Local Government Area.
According to the Command, suspected armed bandits attacked Rahama, Lambo and Garin Galadima villages in the early hours of January 24, 2026. The assailants reportedly invaded Rahama Village via Gagarabami at about 2:00 a.m., where a 70-year-old resident, Tela Bello Ahmadu, was killed, and his two sons—Saleh Tela, 25, and Abdullahi Tela, 35—were abducted.
At about 3:40 a.m., the same group reportedly moved to Lambo Village, where three additional residents—Babayo Garba, 30; Malam Abba Musa, 45; and Baayo Bayi, 20—were abducted.
Following a distress call, Police Tactical Teams under Operation Hattara, working in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, swiftly mobilised and engaged the suspects in a gun battle. During the operation, three of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
The police confirmed that Babayo Garba and Malam Abba Musa were successfully rescued. However, Baayo Bayi was fatally injured during the exchange. The rescued victims were taken to hospital for medical examination.
Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 68 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 120 expended 7.62mm ammunition shells, four motorcycles and a cash sum of ₦2,300.
The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. Efforts, he said, have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
