In a significant operation against insurgency, the Niger State Police Command has successfully rescued 35 individuals who had been held hostage by Boko Haram insurgents for more than a year.
The victims have been safely reunited with their families after receiving medical treatment.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the victims were freed in two coordinated missions conducted by the Joint Security Task Force and Police Tactical Teams between July 3 and July 5.
In the first operation, 24 victims were intercepted along the Madaka–Makujeri road while being transported by a suspect, Yusuf Abdullahi from Birnin Gwari.
Authorities believe he was attempting to transfer the captives to another faction of insurgents.
Some of the victims were reportedly meant to be dropped at Tegina before continuing the journey to Yauri in Kebbi State.
The second rescue took place in Agwara, where 11 more victims five women and six children were intercepted while trying to cross a river heading toward Yauri.
They were taken into custody by the Divisional Police Officer in Agwara and subsequently transferred to the state police headquarters in Minna for profiling and assistance.
The victims, abducted from various communities including Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, and Sarkin Pawa, had been held in remote forest camps by insurgents.
Upon rescue, they were transported to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment before being reunited with their families.
In addition to the successful rescues, security operatives recovered two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition from the vehicle used by the suspect.
These items have been handed over to investigators for further analysis.
Confirming the operations, SP Abiodun said, “Following reports of bandits relocating from the Birnin-Gwari forest due to clearance operations, police tactical teams intercepted 24 kidnapped victims including women and children.”
“The vehicle conveying them was driven by Yusuf Abdullahi, who attempted to hand them over to another criminal group. He has been arrested and is currently under investigation.”
Commending the collaborative efforts of the security forces, Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, praised the effectiveness of the operation and encouraged continued public cooperation.
“Timely and actionable information from the public remains crucial in rescuing other victims and dismantling the networks of these criminal elements,” he stated.
