Seventeen (17) abducted victims who were rescued in Kaduna State by the Nigeria Police Force in cooperation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have been brought into the custody of the Niger State Government.
The victims were handed over in an official ceremony at the Police Command Headquarters in Minna.
They were kidnapped on March 3, 2025, from the villages of Kango and Wuloto in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
Yakubu Garba, the deputy governor of Niger State, who spoke at the ceremony, thanked the security forces for their steadfast dedication and teamwork, which resulted in the victims’ safe rescue.
He pointed out that although banditry and abduction have long been problems in Munya and Shiroro Local Government Areas, these crimes have significantly decreased over the last two years as a result of increased government engagement and security cooperation.
“Our administration remains committed to the security and welfare of every citizen. The reduction in criminal activities, especially in vulnerable areas like Munya and Shiroro, is the result of strategic collaboration with security agencies,” the Deputy Governor stated.
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He promised that the government would give the victims the medical care and psychological support they needed to get over their ordeal and reintegrate into society.
Adamu Elleman, the Commissioner of Police, who formally handed over the victims, characterised the operation as a triumph of “non-kinetic” tactics while stressing the significance of intelligence collection and inter-agency collaboration.
“This rescue is a product of effective synergy between the police and the Office of the National Security Adviser. It demonstrates our collective commitment to ending the menace of kidnapping and restoring peace to our communities,” Elleman said.
Among the 17 rescued victims, 15 are reported to be from the same extended family, making the operation particularly emotional for their relatives who had been anxiously awaiting their return.
The rescue has been celebrated as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry in Niger State, reinforcing public confidence in the capacity of security forces to protect lives and property.
