Police Rescue 23 Kidnapped Victims in Niger and Enugu States

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 23 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Niger and Enugu States, reaffirming its commitment to combating violent crimes nationwide.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

According to him, one of the operations followed an attack by suspected kidnappers on Hayin-Dogo and Dangunu villages in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident, which occurred around 10:00 p.m. on February 20, 2025, resulted in the abduction of Usman Daina and four others.

While Daina was released after two days, a coordinated search-and-rescue operation led by police and other security operatives resulted in the successful rescue of the remaining victims—Deborah Daina, Gambo Amos, Cyprus Titus, and Satti Iko—on May 22, 2025. All four have since been reunited with their families.

In a separate operation, officers attached to the Enugu State Command launched a coordinated raid in the Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani LGA, following the abduction of commuters along the Olo-Umulokpa Road. Police operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, overpowered them, and rescued nine victims unharmed.

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Prior to this, on May 16, 2025, two kidnapped men were rescued in a forest near Amalla-Egazi after being abducted from the Ezimo community. Both have also been safely reunited with their families.

On May 23, 2025, in another significant operation, Enugu State Command operatives—working in collaboration with local security groups—stormed a forest along the Enugu-Kogi border while tracking a notorious kidnapping gang. A gunfight ensued during which one of the kidnappers was neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Eight victims were rescued unharmed in the operation. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the rescue missions. He also acknowledged the critical support of local security outfits and members of the public in the success of the operations.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that no part of Nigeria serves as a safe haven for criminals,” the IGP said.