The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued ten kidnapped victims, comprising women and children, from a forest close to the Rijana community in Kagarko Local Government Area of the state.
Reports indicate that the victims had been in captivity since May 2025, after about 14 armed men stormed Kushe Makaranta village in the same local government area and abducted them.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Friday, explaining that it was the result of sustained efforts by a joint team made up of the police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.
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According to him, the kidnappers abandoned their hostages after several weeks of relentless pressure and surveillance by the joint security 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.
“Upon receipt of the unfortunate information, the Command immediately intensified patrols and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The sustained pressure from the police, military, and DSS operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and escape from their hideout,” he added.
Hassan identified the rescued victims as 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, nine months; and Hauwa Sulaiman, 13.
He stated that all the rescued victims, who hail from Kushe Makaranta village, have been taken to the Police Clinic for medical assessment.
“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 said.
Hassan quoted the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as praising the operatives for their commitment, professionalism, and bravery 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 added.
He also appealed to residents to keep supporting security agencies by sharing prompt and credible information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
“The Command will not relent until every criminal hideout in the forests of Kaduna State is discovered and dismantled,” Hassan assured.
