17 Kidnap Victims Rescued in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Anti-kidnap unit has in a coordinated operation rescued 17 kidnapped victims in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
This successful rescue, which took place over the weekend, has not only raised hope for the safety of civilians in the region but also demonstrated the essential role of coordinated efforts between different security agencies in addressing criminal activities.
The victims, including 11 females and 6 males, aged between one and 35 years, had been abducted six months ago from Wuloto and Kango, two communities located in the Kuchi ward of Muyan Local Government Area in Niger State.
In what has become an increasingly common method of operation for criminal groups, the kidnappers raided the villages at midnight, taking the victims away from their homes and crossing them over a river to a secluded location in Kaduna State.
Victoria Ishaya, one of the rescued victims, recalled the terrifying moments of their abduction, saying “We were kidnapped from our house during the night. 15 of us were taken from one household, and we were transported across the river to another area in Kaduna, where we were held captive for the past six months,” she recounted, her voice trembling as she spoke to reporters after her release.
While the details of their captivity remain largely undisclosed, reports indicate that the victims were kept in a remote area far from their families and subjected to long periods of uncertainty.
Although they endured severe emotional and psychological trauma, they were reportedly not physically harmed during their captivity, which could be attributed to the methodical approach the authorities employed to ensure their safe return.
The successful rescue operation, which was a direct result of months of planning and intelligence gathering, was carried out by a joint team from the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Their coordinated efforts resulted in the safe release of the victims and their return to Niger State, where they were received by local authorities.
On Friday, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, officially received the rescued victims at the police headquarters in Minna, representing Governor Umaru Bago. Garba took a moment to thank all parties involved in the operation, including President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to combating insecurity, as well as the Kaduna State Government and the police for their strategic approach in securing the victims’ release.
In his remarks, Garba expressed deep appreciation for the unity and cooperation displayed by the various agencies, particularly emphasizing how the combined efforts of the Kaduna State Police, the Niger State Police, and the National Security Adviser’s office were critical in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
“This is a clear example of the success that can be achieved when we work together as a team to fight crime. The rescue of these victims is not just a victory for Niger State, but for Nigeria as a whole,” Garba said.
He also noted the importance of psychological care in the aftermath of such traumatic events, thanking the Kaduna police for their sensitivity in ensuring the mental well-being of the victims before they were returned to their families. Garba urged the victims’ relatives to exercise patience, allowing sufficient time for health and psychological evaluations to be conducted before they reunite with their loved ones.
The recent rescue operation underscores the growing problem of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where kidnappings have become an increasingly common threat. Niger State, like many others, has witnessed a surge in criminal activity, with armed groups preying on vulnerable communities. In light of this, Governor Umaru Bago’s administration has focused heavily on improving security and addressing the underlying causes of crime, including youth restiveness and unemployment.
Garba highlighted the significant progress made by the Bago-led administration in tackling insecurity, noting that over the past two years, youth restiveness and violence had decreased. Despite this, he acknowledged that much work remains to be done to ensure lasting peace and safety for the people of Niger State.
“We appeal to the public to continue supporting the government through prayers and cooperation. While there has been considerable progress, we must not relent in our efforts to make the state safer,” Garba emphasized.
Niger State’s newly appointed Police Commissioner, Adamu Elleman, also addressed the gathering, commending the efforts of his colleagues and emphasizing the importance of using strategic, non-kinetic methods in the fight against crime. Elleman credited the successful rescue operation to the diligent planning, intelligence sharing, and cooperative approach among all agencies involved.
Elleman highlighted that the police were committed to eliminating criminal elements within the state through constant patrols, stop-and-search operations, and well-coordinated arrests. He reassured the public that those responsible for the kidnappings would face justice. “We will not rest until those responsible for these kidnappings are apprehended and brought to justice,” he said firmly. “The perpetrators of these crimes will not escape the long arm of the law.”
While the rescue operation is being hailed as a success, experts and local authorities agree that it highlights both the progress made and the ongoing challenges in the fight against insecurity. The collaborative efforts between the police forces of Niger and Kaduna states, along with the support of the National Security Adviser’s office, were pivotal in ensuring the safe release of the victims. However, the continuous threat of kidnappings, banditry, and other forms of violent crime suggests that security forces must remain vigilant and proactive.
Governor Garba’s call for continued public support of the administration’s security efforts is timely, as the success of this operation should serve as both a beacon of hope and a reminder of the critical importance of community involvement in addressing crime. The fight against insecurity is not just the responsibility of the government and security agencies but requires the collective effort of citizens to create a safer environment for all.
As Niger State continues to battle the scourge of insecurity, both state and national authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the people. The successful rescue of the 17 kidnapped victims marks an important milestone in this ongoing struggle, with citizens hopeful that such collaborative efforts will lead to a more secure future for the region.
