Security operatives in Niger State have rescued no fewer than 35 kidnapped victims, including women and children, many of whom had been held in captivity for over a year.
The rescue followed intensified operations targeting criminal elements fleeing from the Birnin-Gwari forest in neighboring Kaduna State. According to a statement released on Monday, July 7, 2025, by the state police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the victims were abducted at various times from communities across Niger State, including Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, and Sarkin-Pawa, with some taken from as far as Taraba.
Acting on intelligence, police tactical teams intercepted a suspicious vehicle along the Madaka-Makujeri road between July 3 and 5. The vehicle, driven by one Yusuf Abdullahi from Birnin-Gwari, was reportedly transporting the victims to Yauri in Kebbi State to hand them over to other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“Following reports of bandits relocating due to clearance operations in the Birnin-Gwari forest, about 24 kidnapped victims, including women and children, were intercepted while being moved to Yauri,” the statement said. “The driver was arrested, and the victims were rescued, given medical attention, and later reunited with their families.”
Additional victims—five women and six children—were rescued on July 4 around 4:30 p.m. in Agwara while attempting to cross the river into Kebbi State. Police recovered two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition during the operation. These victims were taken into custody by the Divisional Police Officer in Agwara and later transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation.
Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman commended the efforts of the joint security forces involved in the rescue operations. He urged the public to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to aid in the rescue of other victims and the apprehension of those responsible.
Investigations are ongoing.
