By Sabiu Abdullahi
Security operatives from the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, have successfully rescued 17 individuals who were kidnapped on March 3, 2025, in Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.
According to the police, the operation was carried out using a non-violent method and reflects the determination of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promote intelligence-driven strategies and cooperation among security agencies in combating crime.
The rescued individuals include 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).
All those rescued were taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical evaluation.
The police confirmed that they are in stable and healthy condition.
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, he said: “In line with the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, geared towards tackling violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.”
He added: “On April 9, 2025, in a remarkable feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on March 3, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.”
On the same day, officers intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna.
Following a detailed search, 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles were found hidden inside the vehicle.
The police arrested a 27-year-old man, Jamilu Suleiman, from Rafin Guza, Kaduna. During initial questioning, he reportedly confessed that he had been directed by a union member to transport the weapons to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.
Authorities have begun a thorough investigatio n aimed at uncovering the full network behind the arms trafficking.
In a separate incident on April 9, 2025, around 5:00 a.m., the police responded to a distress call about a robbery in progress at Doggi Farm along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
The Divisional Police Officer of the Tafa Division led a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, they exchanged fire with a gang of about 30 armed robbers who had stormed the premises.
Two suspects were shot dead during the confrontation, while others fled toward nearby hills.
Two additional suspects, who sustained injuries, were taken to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital in Sabon Wuse.
One of them later died, and the other remains in custody, aiding the investigation.
The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to capture the remaining members of the gang.