Police rescue three kidnap victims after 40 days in captivity
The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnap victims who spent over 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.
According to Hassan, the victims were rescued during a joint security operation led by personnel from Fushin Kada in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi.
He explained that the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and coordinated efforts by security agencies, which led operatives to a suspected bandits’ hideout.
“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” Hassan said.
The rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area in Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State.
Hassan said the victims were taken to the police clinic for medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.
He further disclosed that five suspected informants were arrested during the investigation, adding that preliminary findings revealed that the suspects allegedly provided intelligence and logistical support to the kidnappers.
“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” he stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration among security agencies that contributed to the success of the operation.
Muhammad reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kaduna State.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against criminal activities.
The police commissioner added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
