Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims After 40 Days in Captivity, Arrest Five Suspected Informants

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnap victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants believed to be linked to the criminal network responsible for their abduction.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime across the state.

According to Hassan, the victims were rescued during a coordinated security operation involving officers from the Fushin Kada area, working alongside the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi and other security personnel.

He explained that the operation was the culmination of sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance and coordinated security actions that led operatives to a suspected hideout used by armed bandits.

“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” Hassan stated.

The rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu, both from Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in neighbouring Niger State.

Police authorities said the victims were immediately taken to a police medical facility where they underwent medical examinations and received treatment before being reunited with their families.

Further investigations into the kidnapping operation led to the arrest of five suspects alleged to have acted as informants for the criminal gang.

According to the police spokesman, preliminary findings indicate that the suspects provided intelligence and logistical support to the kidnappers, helping facilitate the abductions and movement of victims.

“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” Hassan disclosed.

Reacting to the successful operation, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, courage and collaboration demonstrated by security personnel involved in the rescue mission.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within the state and ensure the safety of residents.

Muhammad also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that community participation remains a critical component in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The police commissioner assured that investigations were ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal network, adding that all those connected to the abductions would be brought to justice.