Thirty-one victims of kidnapping have regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations by the Nigeria Police Force in Taraba and Edo states.
The successful operations were announced in a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who described the efforts as part of an intensified clampdown on kidnapping and banditry across the country.
“In a sustained effort against banditry and kidnapping, the Nigeria Police Force has again recorded significant breakthroughs in Taraba and Edo States, successfully rescuing 31 kidnapped victims in two separate coordinated operations,” the statement read.
In Edo State, the rescue took place on Friday, 11 July 2025, at around 7:20 pm. Police operatives from the state command responded swiftly to a kidnapping incident along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area. Commuters had been ambushed by armed men, leading to the tragic death of two individuals and the abduction of several others.
A joint task force, including local vigilante groups, launched a search-and-rescue mission targeting the Obe Hill area, near the Ajaokuta axis. “The rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel near Obe Hill, forcing them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, and successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims,” Adejobi revealed.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In another incident, police operatives in Taraba State rescued 17 passengers who were abducted on Saturday, 12 July 2025. The victims, travelling in a white Toyota bus from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, were ambushed by gunmen shortly after passing Federal University Wukari along the Wukari highway.
“Upon receiving the distress call at about 11:45 pm, our operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, mobilised immediately to the location,” the statement added. “On sighting the approaching security forces, the suspected kidnappers abandoned all 17 kidnapped victims unhurt and fled into the surrounding bush. Efforts are underway to apprehend these culprits.”
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has praised the dedication and bravery displayed by the officers involved in both rescue missions.
“These operations are a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives and property,” the IGP stated. “We will continue to dismantle criminal networks across the country and restore public confidence through proactive and intelligence-led policing.”
The police have urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, assuring citizens of their continued safety and protection.
