From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The police force headquarters in Abuja said that its sustained show of commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians has led to the rescue of 23 kidnapped victims in Enugu and Niger States.
Force public relations officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, who made this known, said the operations reflect the unyielding resolve of the Force to tackle criminality head-on and restore peace to our communities.
Adejobi, in a statement, said, “It will be recalled that on 20th February 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., suspected kidnappers launched an attack on Hayin-Dogo and Dangunu villages in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya LGA of Niger State, abducting one Usman Daina and four others. While Usman was released after two days, the Police and other security operatives intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims, which yielded results on the 22nd May, 2025. The other 4 victims — Deborah Daina, Gambo Amos, Cyprus Titus, and Satti Iko – were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
“In a separate operation, Police operatives attached to the Enugu State Command carried out a coordinated operation in Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani LGA, following the abduction of commuters along Olo-Umulokpa Road. Upon picking up the trail, the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, overpowered them, and successfully rescued 9 kidnapped victims. Prior to this, police operatives had earlier rescued two men in a forest at Amalla-Egazi after they were kidnapped on 16th May 2025 at the Ezimo community. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families.
“Similarly, on 23rd May 2025, Police operatives attached to the Enugu State Command, working in collaboration with local security outfits, on the trail of a gang of kidnappers, stormed a forest along the Enugu-Kogi border. During the operation, a gunfight ensued, where one of the kidnappers was neutralized and others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries. Eight kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt in the process. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
“The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, commends the bravery and dedication of the officers involved in the rescue operations. He also appreciates the support of local security outfits and members of the public in our various operations across the country, which has been so instrumental to the successes recorded in the fight against crime and criminality in our dear country. The IGP further assures Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to continually dismantling criminal networks and making Nigeria an unsafe haven for perpetrators of crime.