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Police in Kaduna State have rescued three kidnapped victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants linked to the kidnapping syndicate, authorities said Saturday.
DSP Mansir Hassan, the command’s public relations officer, disclosed the rescue in a statement issued in Kaduna.
Hassan said a joint security team, led by personnel from Fushin Kada and in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer in Hunkuyi, carried out the operation.
According to him, the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance and coordinated security efforts that led operatives to a suspected bandits’ hideout.
“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” he said.
The rescued victims were Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area in Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State.
Hassan said authorities took the victims to the police clinic for medical examination and treatment before reuniting them with their families.
Five suspected informants were arrested during the course of the investigation, Hassan added.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly provided information and logistical support to the kidnappers.
“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” he stated.
Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad commended the professionalism, dedication and collaboration among security agencies that led to the successful operation.
Muhammad restated the command’s dedication to combating violent crimes, including kidnapping, throughout the state.
Noting that community cooperation remained crucial in the fight against criminality, he also urged locals to keep providing security agencies with timely and reliable information.
According to the police commissioner, investigations are still underway to capture additional members of the criminal network and guarantee that everyone involved is held accountable.
