The Kaduna State Police Command said on Friday that its operatives have successfully rescued ten kidnapped victims, including women and children, from a forest near the Rijana community in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were said to have been held captive since May 2025 after being abducted by a gang of about 14 armed men who invaded Kushe Makaranta village in Kagarko LGA.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the rescue in a statement, said the operation was carried out following a sustained joint effort by security operatives, including the police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, the kidnappers were forced to abandon the victims after weeks of intensified pressure and surveillance mounted by the combined team of operatives.
“Sometimes in the month of May 2025, unknown armed men numbering about fourteen (14) invaded Kushe Makaranta in Kagarko Local Government Area and kidnapped some residents, whom they whisked away to their hideout in a thick forest around Rijana community,” Hassan said.
“Upon receipt of the unfortunate information, the command immediately intensified patrols and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The sustained pressure from the police, military and DSS operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and escape from their hideout,” he added.
Hassan listed the rescued victims as Helen Abraham, 25; Rosemary Elisha, 25; Jummai Istifanus, 23; Hauwa’u Sule, 13; Mary Sunday, 12; Kelvin Abraham, 3; Devine Elisha, 1; Jeremiah Istifanus, 1; Christabeth Abraham, 9 months; and Hauwa Sulaiman, 13.
He explained that all the rescued persons are residents of Kushe Makaranta village and were immediately taken to the police clinic for medical examination.
“The victims were taken to the police clinic for medical attention and, after two days of observation and treatment, were successfully reunited with their families,” he said.
The Command’s spokesman further quoted the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as having commended the gallant operatives for their “dedication, professionalism, and display of courage” throughout the rescue mission.
“The Commissioner of Police assures the public that the Command remains resolute in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents and in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State,” Hassan quoted the CP as saying.
The police further urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations against criminal elements across the state.
“The Command will not relent until every criminal hideout in the forests of Kaduna State is discovered and dismantled,” Hassan assured.
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