The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 31 kidnap victims during two separate operations carried out in Taraba and Edo States.
This was revealed in a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
“In a sustained effort against banditry and kidnapping, the Nigeria Police Force has again recorded significant breakthroughs in Taraba and Edo States, successfully rescuing 31 kidnapped victims in two separate coordinated operations,” Adejobi stated.
In Edo State, the rescue operation took place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7:20 pm. According to the statement, police operatives from the state command swiftly responded to an incident along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers had ambushed commuters.
The attack resulted in the tragic death of two individuals and the abduction of several others.
“A rapid joint operation, involving police operatives and local security outfits, initiated a search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area, near the Ajaokuta axis.
“The rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel near Obe Hill, forcing them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, and successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims,” the statement added.
Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice, the police said.
In Taraba State, another operation was carried out on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at about 11:45 pm, following a distress call about a kidnapping incident along the Wukari highway, near the Federal University Wukari.
“A white Toyota bus, conveying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. Upon receiving the report, operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised and advanced to the scene.
“On sighting the approaching security forces, the suspected kidnappers abandoned all 17 kidnapped victims unhurt and fled into the surrounding bush. Efforts are underway to apprehend these culprits,” Adejobi said.
Reacting to the operations, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the swift and courageous response of the police officers involved.
He stated that the successful rescues are “a reflection of the reinforced commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to citizen protection and national security.”
The IGP further assured Nigerians that targeted efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the country will continue with greater intensity.
