The Niger State Police Command has successfully rescued 35 kidnapping victims in a series of coordinated operations conducted between July 3 and 5, 2025. The victims, including women and children, were abducted from various locations across the state, such as Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, Sarkin-Pawa, and even Taraba State.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the rescue operations followed intelligence reports that suspected bandits were relocating from Birnin-Gwari forest due to security forces’ clearance operations in the area. Police tactical teams stationed along Madaka-Makujeri road intercepted a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi of B/Gwari, who was conveying 24 victims to Yauri in Kebbi State to hand them over to other members of the kidnapping network. The driver was arrested, and the victims were taken to a medical facility for attention before being reunited with their families.
In a separate operation on July 4, 2025, police in Agwara intercepted 11 victims, comprising five women and six children, as they attempted to cross the river to Yauri. Two magazines and sixty rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation. The victims have been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation.
Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, commended the efforts of the joint security teams involved in the rescue missions, saying, “I commend the joint security teams for their bravery and professionalism in rescuing the victims. I urge members of the public to provide actionable information to assist in rescuing other victims and apprehending those still at large.”
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of public cooperation in the fight against kidnapping and other crimes, and assured that the Command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the state. Investigation is ongoing to rescue other victims and effect arrest.
The rescue operations were carried out following intelligence reports that suspected bandits were relocating from Birnin-Gwari forest due to security forces’ clearance operations in the area. A total of 35 victims were rescued, including 24 victims who were intercepted in a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi of B/Gwari, and 11 victims who were intercepted in Agwara. Two magazines and sixty rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.
The victims were abducted from various locations across the state, including Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, Sarkin-Pawa, and even Taraba State.
