Police Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims, Recover N4.8 Million and Weapons

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 21 kidnap victims and recovered N4.8 million in ransom money, along with arms and ammunition, in a series of coordinated operations targeting criminal syndicates across the country.

The operations, carried out in Taraba and Kano states, resulted in the arrest of six suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, reiterating the police force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten public safety.

One of the key operations took place in Taraba State, where officers from the state command, in collaboration with other security agencies, rescued 20 kidnapped victims along the Takum/Mararaba road. The rescue mission, conducted on March 29, followed a gun battle between security operatives and the kidnappers, who abandoned the victims and fled. Two of the rescued individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

In Kano State, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested five members of a gang responsible for the abduction of Dr. Muhammad Bello Yushau on March 8. The suspects—Tukur Lawal (alias Maikudi), Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu, and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim—were apprehended on March 18 and 19 following an extensive investigation. During the operation, authorities recovered a locally made rifle and N4.84 million, believed to be ransom money. Dr. Yushau was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family.

In a separate operation, the Special Tactical Squad (STS) arrested Kafinta Musa in Taraba for armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms. An AK-49 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition was seized from him.

ACP Adejobi commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between security agencies and the public in ensuring safety. He urged citizens to continue providing credible information to security forces to strengthen the fight against crime.