The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant success in its fight against kidnapping with the rescue of 23 victims and neutralization of a suspected kidnapper during separate operations in Niger and Enugu States.

According to a statement by Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, police operatives responded to kidnapping incidents in multiple locations, demonstrating the force's commitment to tackling insecurity across the country.

Niger State Rescue Operation

In Niger State, kidnappers had attacked Hayin-Dogo and Dangunu villages in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya Local Government Area, abducting five residents including one Usman Daina, who was released after two days in captivity.

Following intensified efforts by police and other security operatives, the remaining four victims—Deborah Daina, Gambo Amos, Cyprus Titus, and Satti Iko—were successfully rescued on May 22, 2025, and have been reunited with their families.

Multiple Rescues in Enugu State

In Enugu State, police conducted a series of coordinated operations that yielded impressive results. Following the abduction of commuters along Olo-Umulokpa Road, operatives carried out a raid on Uvuru-Ukpata forest in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.

"Upon picking up the trail, the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, overpowered them, and successfully rescued 9 kidnapped victims," the police statement revealed.

Prior to this operation, police had also rescued two men from a forest at Amalla-Egazi after they were kidnapped on May 16, 2025, from the Ezimo community.

In a separate operation on May 23, 2025, police operatives, working alongside local security outfits, stormed a forest along the Enugu-Kogi border while tracking a gang of kidnappers. During the ensuing gunfight, one kidnapper was neutralized while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Eight victims were rescued unhurt during this operation.

The police confirmed that all rescued victims have been reunited with their families, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.

These successful operations highlight the Nigeria Police Force's continued efforts to combat kidnapping, which has remained a significant security challenge in various parts of the country.