Security operatives in Niger State have successfully rescued no fewer than 35 kidnap victims, comprising women and children, in a series of coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating across the state and neighboring regions.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, the victims were abducted at different times from various communities including Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, and Sarkin-Pawa in Niger State, as well as from distant locations such as Taraba State. Some of the victims had reportedly been held captive for over a year.
Acting on credible intelligence, police tactical teams launched a successful operation between July 3 and 5, 2025, during which they intercepted a suspicious vehicle along the Madaka-Makujeri road.
The vehicle, driven by one Yusuf Abdullahi, a native of Birnin-Gwari in Kaduna State, was reportedly transporting some of the kidnapped victims to Yauri in Kebbi State, where they were to be handed over to another faction of the kidnapping syndicate.
Further investigations revealed that some of the victims had already been dropped off in Tegina to board other vehicles headed for the same destination.
The driver was immediately apprehended by the police, and all victims found in the vehicle were safely rescued.
They were quickly transported to a nearby medical facility where they received treatment before being reunited with their families.
In a separate but related operation on July 4, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., another group of eleven victims—consisting of five women and six children—was intercepted by police in Agwara as they attempted to cross a river en route to Yauri. The victims were promptly taken into protective custody by the Divisional Police Officer in Agwara.
During the operation, officers recovered two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition, which were believed to have been intended for use by the kidnappers or for further criminal activity.
Following both operations, all rescued individuals were moved to the Niger State Police Command Headquarters in Minna for comprehensive debriefing, additional care, and further investigations into the circumstances surrounding their abduction and transportation.
The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, praised the commitment and professionalism of the officers and tactical teams involved in the operations.
He described the rescue missions as a testament to the increasing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing.
CP Elleman further called on residents across the state to remain vigilant and proactive by supplying security agencies with reliable and timely information that could assist in tracking down fleeing criminals and facilitating the rescue of other victims still in captivity.
SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that investigations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping network, while efforts are being intensified to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons still held by criminal elements.
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