Kaduna Police Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims, Seize 21 AK-47 Rifles, Neutralize Robbery Gang
In a series of coordinated operations, the Kaduna State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against criminality, rescuing 17 kidnap victims, seizing 21 AK-47 rifles, and neutralizing three armed robbers along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway.
According to a statement issued Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the rescue operation was carried out on Wednesday, April 9, by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kaduna Command in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The victims, abducted from Sarkin Pawa in Niger State on March 3, 2025, were safely rescued without the use of force—described as a non-kinetic approach.
The successful rescue operation underscores the renewed commitment of the Inspector–General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intelligence-led policing and effective inter-agency collaboration to tackle security threats across the country.
The rescued individuals—mostly women and children—have been identified as: Williams Ubadia (15), Samuel Ezekiel (15), Duza Ezekiel (13), Ishaku Ishaya (12), Sunday Ezekiel (8), Jessy Friday (6), Rebecca Ezekiel (32), Jummai Ishaya (32), Terriza Friday (30), Alice Ezekiel (35), Victoria Ishaya (32), Blessing Ezekiel (20), Gloria Ubadia (13), Gift Ubadia (10), Charity Ezekiel (9), Alheri Ishaya (5), and Favour Ezekiel (1).
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They have all been taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical examination and were certified to be in stable and sound health.
In a separate operation the same day, the anti-kidnapping team intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna, where 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles were discovered hidden inside the vehicle.
The suspect, Jamilu Suleiman, 27, a resident of Rafin Guza in Kaduna, was arrested and confessed to being instructed by a union member to deliver the weapons to an unknown individual in the city. He is currently in police custody.
Further strengthening its security efforts, the Command also responded to a distress call reporting an armed robbery in progress at Doggi Farm along the Kaduna–Abuja expressway. Upon mobilizing swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of Tafa Division led a team that engaged the robbers—believed to number about 30—in a fierce gun duel.
Two of the robbers were killed in the exchange of fire, while another, who was apprehended alive and taken to a hospital, was later confirmed dead. One more suspect survived and is now cooperating with investigators. Efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
“These successes reflect the unwavering dedication of the police force to protect lives and property, leveraging both proactive intelligence gathering and rapid response tactics,” the Force PRO said.
The Police Command called on the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information that can aid ongoing security efforts.
By PRNigeria
