Police rescue 23 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 23 kidnapped victims from suspected bandits in the Kajuru Forest, Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mansir Hassan, in Kaduna on Sunday, said the rescue operation took place on February 2, 2025, after security operatives received credible intelligence regarding the movement of armed bandits in the area.

Led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kajuru Division and military personnel, Hassan said the security operatives advanced into the bush near Doka  Village in Kajuru Local Government Area, where they encountered the bandits attempting to relocate their victims to Kajuru Forest.

He added during the encounter, the security forces inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits, forcing them to retreat and flee into the forest with gunshot wounds.

According to him, the 23 kidnapped victims, who had earlier been reported missing in Kauru, were subsequently rescued and reunited with their families.

The police spokesman quoted the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad,  to have praised the bravery and professionalism of the security operatives involved in the operation.

“The command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents, and we will continue to work in line with the ideals, vision, and mission of Governor Uba Sani on security,” he said.

He said the commissioner also assured the public that the command would continue to collaborate with military and other security agencies to combat crime and maintain peace across the state.

The statement said, “On 2nd February 2025, Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of armed bandits in Kajuru area, security operatives Led by the Divisional Police Officer of Kajuru Division and military personnel advanced into the bush near Doka Village in Kajuru Local Government Area, where they encountered with a gang of armed bandits trying to relocate with their victims to Kajuru Forest.

“During the encounter, security forces unleashed heavy casualties on the enemies forcing them to retreat and flee into the forest with Gun wounds, which resulted in the rescue of twenty-three kidnapped victims, who had earlier been reported as being kidnapped in Kauru LG.

“The victims have been safely reunited with their families. Meanwhile, the area has been placed under heightened surveillance and aggressive patrols to prevent further criminal activities.

“The Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad PSC, assures the public that, the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents and will continue to work in line with the Ideals, Vision, and mission of his excellency Sen. Uba Sani on Security of the state and in collaboration with military and other security agencies to combat crime and maintain peace across the state.