Women, Children Among Those Freed by Security Operatives

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Nigeria, 35 kidnap victims, including women and children, have been rescued by security operatives in Niger State after spending more than one year in captivity. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The victims were freed during a series of coordinated operations following intelligence reports on the movement of criminal elements relocating from the Birnin-Gwari forest in Kaduna State.

Victims Abducted from Multiple Communities

According to a statement released on Monday, July 7, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Wasiu Abiodun, the victims were abducted at different times from various communities across Niger State, including Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, Sarkin-Pawa, and even parts of Taraba State.

Tactical Interception Leads to Rescue

Between July 3rd and 5th, 2025, police tactical teams intercepted a suspicious vehicle along the Madaka-Makujeri road. The vehicle, driven by Yusuf Abdullahi of Birnin-Gwari, was found to be transporting several kidnapped individuals en route to Yauri in Kebbi State, where they were to be handed over to other members of the criminal syndicate.

“The driver was arrested, and the victims were rescued and taken to a medical facility for attention before being reunited with their families,” said SP Abiodun.

Further operations also led to the interception of 11 more victims—five women and six children—on July 4 at Agwara, as they attempted to cross the river into Yauri. During this rescue, police also recovered two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition.

Investigation and Reunification Ongoing

All victims have been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation. Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue more abductees and dismantle the criminal network behind the kidnappings.

Commissioner Commends Security Forces

Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips, lauded the efforts of the joint security teams for their bravery and precision in executing the rescue operations.

“We urge members of the public to provide credible and actionable information to security agencies to ensure the successful rescue of more victims,” the Commissioner appealed.