KADUNA, NIGERIA – The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants linked to the abduction network.
The Command said the victims were freed during a coordinated security operation carried out by operatives of the Fushin Kada Division in collaboration with personnel from the Hunkuyi Division.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the operation was the result of sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and coordinated efforts targeting a suspected bandits’ hideout.
According to the statement, security operatives stormed the hideout, forcing the bandits to flee upon sighting the advancing team and abandon their captives.
The rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale and Ummi Salisu, both from Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in neighbouring Niger State.
The police said all three victims were rescued unharmed and immediately taken to the Police Clinic for medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.
The Command further disclosed that five suspected informants believed to be working with the kidnapping syndicate were arrested during the course of the investigation.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects allegedly supplied intelligence and provided logistical support to the kidnappers, thereby facilitating their criminal activities.
“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” the statement said.
Commending the operatives for the successful mission, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, praised the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration among security personnel that led to the rescue of the victims.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kaduna State.
The Commissioner also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community participation remains vital in the fight against criminality.
The police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure that all those involved face justice.
