In a major breakthrough against kidnapping in Niger State, the Nigeria Police have successfully reunited 35 rescued victims with their families after weeks of protective custody and rehabilitation. The victims—comprising 16 women and 19 children—were freed from multiple bandit hideouts in Kagara, Tegina, and Agwara.
The official handover ceremony took place at the Niger State Police Command Headquarters in Minna. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ibrahim Adamu, representing the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, handed over the victims to Ayuba Katako, Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area.
CP Elleman explained that the victims received proper care, including medical attention and counseling, during their stay in custody. The rescue operations, which began on July 3, 2025, were triggered by intelligence reports on the movement of kidnapped victims from Birnin-Gwari.
Police operatives intercepted the first batch of victims—five women and six children—in Agwara while they attempted to cross a river. A second group of four women and seven children was rescued along the Mekujeri–Tegina road. Another group was freed from a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi of Birnin-Gwari, who is now under investigation for suspected involvement.
The Police emphasized that the victims underwent thorough rehabilitation to aid their reintegration into society. Authorities called on the public to continue providing timely intelligence to assist law enforcement in combating banditry and kidnapping.
Receiving the victims, Rafi LG Chairman Ayuba Katako expressed deep gratitude to the Nigeria Police, the Inspector General of Police, and all security agencies involved. He also thanked the Niger State Government for supporting the victims with food, medical care, and emotional assistance.
“These families have long awaited this reunion. We’re grateful that the necessary procedures were followed to ensure their safe return. The local government is ready to support these individuals, especially the children, in continuing their education or acquiring vocational skills,” Katako said.
Chairman of Shiroro LG, Akilu Isyaku, also lauded the efforts of the security agencies, calling for prayers and continued efforts to rescue others still in captivity.
Some of the victims emotionally shared their experiences. Salma Usman recounted how she and her child endured harsh conditions in the forest, while Halima Shehu, a 16-year-old recently married before her abduction, described being moved between Sambisa and Cameroon forests before their rescue.
The Nigeria Police vowed to sustain efforts to locate and rescue all persons still held by kidnappers as communities welcome back their loved ones and look toward rebuilding their lives.
