The Nigeria Police has rescued 23 victims of kidnapping in separate operations across Niger and Enugu States.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson in a statement on Friday said the operations reaffirmed security agency commitment to combating violent crimes and restoring public safety.
In Niger State, suspected kidnappers had, on 20th February at about 10:00 p.m., attacked Hayin-Dogo and Dangunu villages in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya Local Government Area, abducting five individuals, including one Usman Daina.
Although Daina was released two days later, police operatives intensified efforts to secure the freedom of the remaining victims.
On 22nd May, after sustained operations, the police successfully rescued the other four victims —Deborah Daina, Gambo Amos, Cyprus Titus, and Satti Iko —and reunited them with their families.
Meanwhile, in Enugu State, police operatives attached to the state command launched a coordinated operation in the Uvuru-Ukpata forest, Uzo-Uwani LGA, following the abduction of several commuters along Olo-Umulokpa Road.
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The operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, overpowered them, and rescued nine hostages.
Earlier, two other victims who were abducted on 16th May at Ezimo community were rescued in a forest in Amalla-Egazi and have since been reunited with their families.
In another related operation on 23rd May, police officers, in collaboration with local security outfits, stormed a forest along the Enugu-Kogi border while pursuing a kidnapping gang.
During the encounter, one of the suspects was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Eight more hostages were rescued unharmed.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved, as well as the critical support provided by local security groups and community members.
He reiterated the police’s unwavering determination to dismantle criminal networks and ensure Nigeria becomes a hostile environment for criminals.
