The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a kidnapped community leader, Hassan Reuben, and the arrest of three suspects linked to the abduction.
Reuben, a resident of Nahuta Village in Tula, Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state, was abducted on January 20, 2026.
Police stated that the incident was reported at about 11:00 am the following day, prompting an immediate security response.
Confirming the development on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said swift and coordinated action by security operatives led to the safe rescue of the victim.
“Following prompt intervention and sustained efforts, the victim was rescued unharmed on the same day the report was received,” Abdullahi stated.
He explained that the rescue operation was carried out through a joint effort involving police officers from the Awak and Tula divisions, with support from local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the police, Hon. Reuben was freed at Tule Berbere, a location a few kilometres away from Kunge Village in the Awak District of Kaltungo Local Government Area.
“The victim was immediately taken to a hospital for medical assessment and has since reunited with his family,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, the police also arrested three women suspected to be accomplices or spouses of the kidnappers at the location where the victim was rescued.
The suspects were identified as Aisha Salihu, Fati Ado and Adama Buba, all from Luga Edi Kamo in Awak, Kaltungo Local Government Area.
Police said the suspects claimed they did not know their exact ages, adding that investigations are ongoing to unravel their level of involvement in the crime.
The Gombe State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, noting that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
Police free abducted Gombe community leader, detain three suspects
