Ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to tackle kidnapping have led to the rescue of 23 victims from different locations in Niger and Enugu States. The successful operations were carried out by police teams working alongside other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, gave a full account of the rescue missions. He noted that on the night of February 20, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., armed kidnappers attacked Hayin-Dogo and Dangunu communities in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
During the attack, five persons were abducted, including one Usman Daina. Usman was released after two days, but security agents kept up the pressure to find the others.
After several weeks of careful tracking and coordinated efforts, the remaining victims—Deborah Daina, Gambo Amos, Cyprus Titus, and Satti Iko—were found and brought home safely on May 22, 2025.
In a separate case in Enugu State, officers attached to the State Command followed a trail into Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. This followed the abduction of travelers along the Olo-Umulokpa Road. A gun battle broke out between the police and the kidnappers, resulting in the safe rescue of nine people who had been held captive.
Before this mission, two other kidnapped individuals were freed on May 16, 2025. They had been taken from the Ezimo community and were found in a forest near Amalla-Egazi.
On May 23, 2025, another operation was launched near the Enugu-Kogi border. Working together with local security groups, the police stormed a forest where a confrontation occurred. One of the suspects was killed, while others escaped with injuries. Eight hostages were freed during this encounter.
All rescued victims have since been reunited with their families.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, noted the hard work and courage shown by the officers involved. He also acknowledged the role of community security groups and local support in making these operations successful.
He further stated that the Police Force remains fully committed to fighting crime and ensuring that kidnappers and other criminals have no hiding place in Nigeria.
