Again Police Rescue 90 Kidnap Victims in Nationwide 24-hrs Operation

Again Police Rescue 90 Kidnap Victims in Nationwide 24-hrs Operation

By Goodness Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across several states, including the rescue of 90 kidnapped victims, arrests of suspected criminals, recovery of firearms and illicit drugs, and clearance of criminal hideouts.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu and made available to Core Reporters on Friday, August 21, 2926.

The successes according to the statement were recorded in operations conducted between August 18 and 20, 2026, according to the State-by-State Executive Summary of Police Operational Successes released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, ANIPR.

In Kaduna State, police detectives rescued 75 abducted persons following a coordinated response to the abduction of about 75 persons at Polwaya Village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. The abductors fled upon the arrival of security operatives, allowing all the victims to be rescued unhurt. The victims were conveyed to the Area Command for debriefing.

In Benue State, joint tactical teams rescued 13 kidnapped victims during a night operation at Amla-Cho Forest following the abduction of passengers travelling in a bus. The operation forced the armed bandits to flee and abandon their victims, who were rescued unharmed and subsequently provided medical attention.

Similarly, in the Federal Capital Territory, police operatives and vigilantes rescued two kidnapped victims during sustained bush-combing operations in Sunami Forest, Kuje Area Council. The victims were abandoned by their abductors without ransom being paid. One injured victim received medical treatment before being discharged to his family.

In Kogi State, security operatives conducted a targeted forest clearance operation along the Kabba/Bunu-Obajana/Lokoja axis. An abandoned settlement reportedly used by bandits to hold abducted farmers was demolished, while fleeing hoodlums abandoned their camp as security patrol, surveillance and clearance operations continued.

The Police also recorded arrests and recoveries in several states.

In Enugu State, three suspected drug peddlers were arrested following a raid on a criminal hideout at Ozalla, Nkanu West LGA. Substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs were recovered.

In Anambra State, five suspects were arrested at a criminal hideout in Nofia, Njikoka LGA. Police recovered large quantities of illicit drugs, vandalised insulated electricity cables, ₦72,550 in cash and a counterfeit $100 note. The suspects also provided information to assist efforts to apprehend fleeing accomplices.

In Oyo State, a suspect was arrested in connection with a reported stabbing incident at the Alajiki 7UP Academy area of Ibadan.

In Rivers State, eight suspects were arrested following an attempted disturbance at the University of Port Harcourt premises. Two locally made pistols and four cutlasses were recovered.

In Taraba State, three suspected armed robbers were arrested following a swift police response to an incident at New Era Area, Jalingo. An operational tricycle was recovered as an exhibit, while efforts continue to apprehend fleeing accomplices and recover other stolen items.

In Sokoto State, police operatives coordinated security and search-and-rescue operations following a boat mishap along the Goronyo River. Seven passengers were rescued alive, while search operations continued for those still missing.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining public safety through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies and local communities.

The various incidents remain under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs).