Police recue 23 victims from kidnappers in Niger, Enugu

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have have rescued 23 victims from kidnappers in Niger and Enugu states as part of efforts to tackle crimes across the country.

The spokesperson for Nigeria Police, Muyiwa Adejobi who revealed this in a statement on Friday said five of the kidnap victims were rescued in Niger State and the others in three separate incidents in Enugu State.

According to Adejobi, police operatives swung into action when kidnappers launched an attack on Hayin-Dogo and Dangunu villages in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting one Usman Daina and four others.

“While Usman was released after two days, the Police and other security operatives intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims, which yielded results on the 22nd May 2025. The other 4 victims — Deborah Daina, Gambo Amos, Cyprus Titus, and Satti Iko – were safely rescued and reunited with their families,” the statement read.

He also added that police operatives attached to the Enugu State Command carried out a coordinated operation in Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani LGA, following the abduction of commuters along Olo-Umulokpa Road.

“Upon picking up the trail, the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, overpowered them, and successfully rescued 9 kidnapped victims. Prior to this, police operatives had earlier rescued two men in a forest at Amalla-Egazi after they were kidnapped on 16th May 2025 at the Ezimo community. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families,” the police said.

“Similarly, on 23rd May 2025, Police operatives attached to the Enugu State Command, working in collaboration with local security outfits, on the trail of a gang of kidnappers, stormed a forest along the Enugu-Kogi border. During the operation, a gunfight ensued, where one of the kidnappers was neutralized and others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries. Eight kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt in the process. Efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.”

Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the bravery and dedication of the officers involved in the rescue operations.

The Police spokesperson quoted Egbetokun as commending local security vigilantes and members of the public for their support which has been so instrumental to the successes recorded in the fight against crime and criminality in our dear country.