The Kaduna State Police Command has said its operatives rescued 10 kidnapped victims, including women and children, from a forest near the Rijana community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims had reportedly been held captive since May 2025 after being abducted by about 14 armed men who invaded Kushe Makaranta village in the same local government area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Friday, noting that the operation followed sustained efforts by a joint team comprising the police, military, and Department of State Services operatives.
According to him, the kidnappers were forced to abandon their captives after weeks of intense pressure and surveillance mounted by the combined team.
“Sometimes in the month of May 2025, unknown armed men numbering about 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, nine months; and Hauwa Sulaiman, 13.
He explained that all the rescued persons, residents of Kushe Makaranta village, were 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.
Hassan quoted the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as commending the operatives for their dedication, professionalism, and courage during the operation.
“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 to sustain the fight against banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State,” Hassan added.
He also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
“The Command will not relent until every criminal hideout in the forests of Kaduna State is discovered and dismantled,” Hassan assured.
(Punch)
