Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on Wednesday rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on 3rd March 2025 from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.
The police said the operation was achieved through a non-kinetic approach, evidence of the commitment of the Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to leveraging intelligence-led policing and inter-agency synergy to address security challenges.
The rescued victims are Williams Ubadia (15), Samuel Ezekiel (15), Duza Ezekiel (13), Ishaku Ishaya (12), Sunday Ezekiel (8), Jessy Friday (6), Rebecca Ezekiel (32), Jummai Ishaya (32), and Terriza Friday (30).
Others are Alice Ezekiel (35), Victoria Ishaya (32), Blessing Ezekiel (20), Gloria Ubadia (13), Gift Ubadia (10), Charity Ezekiel (9), Alheri Ishaya (5), and Favour Ezekiel (1).
All rescued individuals, the police said have been taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical examination and have been certified to be in stable and sound health.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “In line with the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, geared towards tackling violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.
“On 9th April 2025, in a remarkable feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on 3rd March 2025 from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.
“On the same day, 9th April 2025, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at the Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna. Upon a thorough search, officers discovered 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles concealed within the vehicle.
“The suspect, identified as Jamilu Suleiman, a 27-year-old male resident of Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested and is currently in custody. During the preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was instructed by a union member to deliver the firearms to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.
“A full-scale investigation has been launched to dismantle the arms trafficking network and bring all perpetrators to book.
“In a separate incident, on 9th April 2025 at about 0500hrs, the Police Command received a distress call from a Good Samaritan reporting an armed robbery in progress at Doggi Farm, located along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tafa Division swiftly mobilized a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, they engaged a gang of about 30 armed robbers, who had earlier invaded the premises, in a fierce gun battle. During the exchange of gunfire, two of the robbers were neutralized, while others fled towards the nearby hills.
“Two other injured suspects were apprehended and taken to the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon Wuse, for treatment. Unfortunately, one of them was later confirmed dead, while the other is alive and currently assisting the Police with further investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice”.
