Local hunters in Kano State have killed two suspected bandits and recovered the N10 million ransom the gang had just collected for the release of a kidnapped man in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.

The Kano State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesman, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

The victim, 45-year-old Kabiru Aliyu of Falgore Village, was abducted on September 11 and held captive for several days. His abductors then demanded N10 million for his release.

According to police, three suspected bandits emerged from the forest at about midnight on Saturday to collect the money. They released Aliyu unharmed after receiving it. While returning to their hideout, they were ambushed by local hunters known as Yan Bula.

Two of the suspects were killed, and the third escaped with injuries. Police said the entire N10 million was recovered intact.

The command said the suspected bandits were believed to have come from Maigwanda village in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation identified one of the dead suspects as Dogo Isah, a commercial motorcyclist from the same village. Aliyu has been debriefed, medically examined and reunited with his family.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori commended the hunters for their courage and commitment. He said their efforts complement the command’s Operation Kukan Kura, which targets kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

He also directed the area commander, divisional police officers and tactical teams to comb Falgore Forest and neighbouring communities for the fleeing suspect. They are also to recover any weapons the gang may have used.

Falgore Forest, which spreads across parts of Kano’s southern axis, has long been a security concern because of reported kidnapping and banditry.