The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rescued no fewer than 31 kidnapped victims in two separate co-ordinated operations in Taraba and Edo States.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesman in a statement on Friday morning said the officers once again recorded the significant breakthroughs due to their sustained effort against banditry and kidnapping.
“In Edo State on Friday, July 11th, 2025, at about 7:20 pm, police operatives of the state command responded to an attack along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers ambushed commuters, resulting in the death of two persons and the abduction of several others,” Adejobi said.
He said a swift joint operation involving police operatives and local security outfits led to a co-ordinated 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, causing them to flee with various degrees of gun shot injuries and successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims.
According to Adejobi, efforts are being Intensified to ensure the fleeing perpetrators are brought to justice.
In a related development in Taraba State on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at about 11:45 pm, Adejobi said police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a kidnapping incident along the Wukari highway after Federal University, Wukari where 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 call, operatives mobilised in collaboration with other security agencies and advanced to the scene. On sighting the approaching security forces, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind all 17 kidnapped victims unhurt. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing culprits,” he said.
Adejobi stated that Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has commended the gallantry and swift action of the operatives involved in both operations.
He said Egbetokun emphasized that these successful outcomes reflect the reinforced commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to citizen protection and national security.
The IGP further assured members of the public that targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks across the country will continue with renewed vigour.
