The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 10 kidnapped victims, including women and children, from a forest near the Rijana community in Kagarko Local Government Area of the state.
The victims had been held captive since May 2025 after being abducted by about 14 armed men who invaded Kushe Makaranta village in the same local government area.
In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the rescue, explaining that it followed sustained efforts by a joint team of the police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.
According to Hassan, the kidnappers were forced to release their captives after weeks of intense pressure and surveillance mounted by the combined team.
“Sometimes in the month of May 2025, unknown armed men numbering about 14 invaded Kushe Makaranta in Kagarko Local Government Area and kidnapped some residents, whom they whisked away to their hideout in a thick forest around Rijana community,” Hassan said.
He added that following the incident, the command intensified patrols and launched a manhunt for the suspects. The sustained pressure eventually compelled the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee their hideout.
Those rescued include Helen Abraham (25), Rosemary Elisha (25), Jummai Istifanus (23), Hauwa’u Sule (13), Mary Sunday (12), Kelvin Abraham (3), Devine Elisha (1), Jeremiah Istifanus (1), Christabeth Abraham (9 months), and Hauwa Sulaiman (13).
Hassan said all the rescued victims, residents of Kushe Makaranta, were immediately taken to the Police Clinic for medical examination.
“The victims were taken to the Police Clinic for medical attention and, after two days of observation and treatment, were successfully reunited with their families,” he stated.
He also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as commending the operatives for their dedication, professionalism, and courage throughout the operation.
“The Commissioner of Police assures the public that the Command remains resolute in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents and to sustain the fight against banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State,” Hassan said.
The police spokesman further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
“The Command will not relent until every criminal hideout in the forests of Kaduna State is discovered and dismantled,” he added.
