Police rescue Pastor, 2 others from kidnappers’ captivity after 40 days

By Mohammad Tijjani

Police operatives in Kaduna have rescued a pastor and two other victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants linked to the kidnapping syndicate.

The rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State in a statement issued by the Kaduna Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, on Saturday.

Hassan said the rescue operation was carried out by a joint security team led by personnel from Fushin Kada in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi.

According to him, the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance and coordinated security efforts that 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,” he said.

Hassan said the victims were taken to the police clinic for medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.

He added that five suspected informants were arrested during the course of the investigation.

Preliminary investigations, he said, revealed that the suspects allegedly provided information and logistical support to the kidnappers.

“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” he stated.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, dedication and collaboration among security agencies that led to the successful operation.

Muhammad reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remained critical in the fight against criminality.

The police commissioner said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure that all those involved were brought to justice.

(NAN)