Ten kidnapped victims, including women and children, have been rescued by operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command from a forest near the Rijana community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were abducted in May 2025 when about 14 armed men invaded Kushe Makaranta village in the same local government area and held them captive for several months.
Confirming the development in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the rescue was achieved through a coordinated effort by a joint security team comprising the police, the military, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Hassan, after weeks of sustained surveillance and pressure from the operatives, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the forest.
He explained that the police had intensified patrols and launched a manhunt immediately after receiving reports of the abduction in May, maintaining close coordination with other security agencies across the Kagarko and Rijana forest corridors.
“The sustained pressure from the police, military, and DSS operatives compelled the kidnappers to abandon the victims and escape,” Hassan said.
The rescued victims were identified as Helen Abraham (25), Rosemary Elisha (25), Jummai Istifanus (23), Hauwa’u Sule (13), Mary Sunday (12), Kelvin Abraham (3), Devine Elisha (1), Jeremiah Istifanus (1), Christabeth Abraham (9 months), and Hauwa Sulaiman (13).
All the victims, residents of Kushe Makaranta village, were taken to the Police Clinic for medical examination. After two days of observation and treatment, they were successfully reunited with their families.
Hassan quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, as commending the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and dedication during the rescue operation.
Muhammad reaffirmed the Command’s determination to protect lives and property, stressing that efforts to rid Kaduna State of banditry and kidnapping would continue with renewed intensity.
“The Command remains resolute in sustaining the fight against banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State,” the Commissioner assured.
