Alhaji Hamza Durya, the Administrative Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area in Kano State, returned to safety following a successful rescue operation by the Department of State Services (DSS). The rescue occurred days after gunmen abducted him from his residence.
Abduction at Durya Village
Unknown gunmen stormed the residence of Alhaji Hamza Durya in Durya village, Kibiya Local Government Area, on Friday. The attackers gained entry after waking his son and forcing him to reveal his father’s whereabouts. Subsequently, the gunmen whisked Durya away to an undisclosed location.
As reported by ALO360, the kidnappers transported Durya to a livestock room in a community within Rano Local Government Area. The abductors chained him and blindfolded him during his captivity.
DSS Launches Rescue Operation
The Department of State Services commenced a coordinated operation to secure Durya’s release. Operatives acted promptly and professionally to track down the kidnappers. Furthermore, the DSS encountered armed resistance during the rescue mission.Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, confirmed the operation’s success. He stated that the DSS rescued the victim safely while apprehending two suspects who sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.
Victim Recounts Ordeal
Durya described his experience while held captive. He stated, “They chained me and closed my face, keeping me in a chicken and livestock room.” He added that he never saw his captors pray throughout his detention.
Regarding ransom demands, Durya explained, “They initially demanded N300 million, later reduced it to N100 million, and then insisted on N100 million again after claiming they were told I am close to the Kano Governor.” He further alleged that someone from his community provided false information to the kidnappers about his wealth. He clarified, “It was someone from my community who informed them. They came from Rijana in Kaduna.”
Suspects Arrested
Security forces arrested two suspects during the operation. One suspect identified himself as Nasiru. He confessed, “We came here from Rijana, and our guns were delivered to us later. We were about 10 in number, but the rest escaped. Only two of us were arrested, while others fled with gunshot wounds.”
Additionally, Nasiru admitted that local informants assisted the gang in executing the abduction. The suspects originated from Rijana in Kaduna State.
Government Commends Security Agencies
The Kano State Government praised the DSS for the successful operation. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said, “The Kano State Government considers this a welcome development and a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our security agencies.”
He also noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf consistently provided resources and support to enhance security operations. Consequently, this success underscored the effectiveness of ongoing strategies to combat crime across all 44 local government areas in the state.
