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The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued a total of thirty-one (31) kidnapped victims in two separate, well-coordinated operations conducted in Edo and Taraba States, respectively.
In an official statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Muyiwa Adejobi, the first operation occurred in Edo State on Friday, July 11, 2025, at approximately 7:20pm.
According to Adejobi, officers of the Edo State Police Command responded promptly to a distress situation along the Fugar-Agenebode Road in the Etsako East Local Government Area.
The area had been attacked by suspected kidnappers who ambushed unsuspecting commuters, tragically resulting in the death of two persons and the abduction of several others.
Acting swiftly, the police, in collaboration with local security outfits, launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission targeting the Obe Hill region, near the Ajaokuta axis.
During the operation, the rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, which forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
This decisive intervention led to the successful rescue of fourteen (14) abducted victims. Adejobi confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects to ensure they are brought to justice.
In a related development, the Police recorded another major breakthrough in Taraba State on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at about 11:45pm.
The incident was triggered by a distress call reporting a kidnapping along the Wukari Highway, shortly after the Federal University Wukari axis.
A white Toyota bus, transporting 17 passengers from Enugu en route to Yola, Adamawa State, had been intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.
Upon receiving the alert, the Police operatives swiftly mobilized and collaborated with other security agencies to advance towards the scene.
Their timely arrival thwarted the kidnappers’ plans, as the assailants fled into the nearby bush upon sighting the advancing security forces, abandoning all 17 kidnapped passengers who were subsequently rescued unharmed. Security efforts remain ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has lauded the gallant efforts and professionalism of the officers involved in both rescue operations.
He emphasized that these successes are indicative of the Nigeria Police Force’s strengthened resolve to safeguard citizens and uphold national security.
The IGP further reassured the general public of the Force’s unwavering commitment to conducting sustained and targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country, with renewed determination and vigour.