By Hansa'u Ibrahim 

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered a motorcycle along with other items during a joint security operation at a suspected kidnappers' hideout in Yalwan Mball Mountain, Mball Ward of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Bununu Police Division in collaboration with local security groups, including Danga Security and Special Hunters, was part of the Command's ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the operation followed an earlier raid conducted on July 15, 2026, during which a kidnappers' camp in the same area was dismantled.

He said the latest operation was launched after credible intelligence received on July 22 indicated that one of the suspects who escaped during the previous raid had returned to the area with a motorcycle believed to have been used for criminal activities.

"The security team immediately mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting a gun duel before they fled into the surrounding bush," the police spokesman said.

During the operation, security personnel recovered a Boxer motorcycle suspected to have been used in criminal operations, three sets of operational clothing, and other items believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.

The police also announced the arrest of one suspect, identified as 37-year-old Muhammadu Sale, in connection with the case. He is currently in police custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Command said surveillance has been intensified in the area to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements, adding that the security situation remains calm.

Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), commended the courage and professionalism of the operatives as well as the support provided by local security volunteers. He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to eliminating criminal activities in the state and appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.