In a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry and kidnapping, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued thirty-one (31) kidnapped victims in two separate operations in Taraba and Edo States.
The first operation took place in Edo State on Friday, July 11, 2025, at around 7:20 pm, when police operatives responded to an attack along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area. The attack, carried out by suspected kidnappers, led to the deaths of two individuals and the abduction of several others. In a coordinated effort involving police operatives and local security outfits, the team launched a search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area, near the Ajaokuta axis.
The police engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee with varying degrees of gunshot injuries, and rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped victims. Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing perpetrators.
In a related operation in Taraba State on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at approximately 11:45 pm, police operatives responded to a distress call about a kidnapping incident along the Wukari highway, near Federal University Wukari. The incident involved a white Toyota bus carrying 17 passengers traveling from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, when armed kidnappers ambushed the vehicle. Upon arrival, security forces confronted the kidnappers, who fled into the bush, abandoning all 17 kidnapped victims, who were unharmed. Authorities are actively working to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the gallantry and swift actions of the operatives involved in the successful operations, highlighting that these efforts are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens. He assured the public that targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks will continue with renewed vigour across the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agencies.
