In a coordinated offensive against rising cases of banditry and abductions, the Nigeria Police Force has rescued 31 kidnapped victims in two separate operations carried out in Edo and Taraba States.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, 14 abductees were rescued in Edo. 17 others regained their freedom in Taraba, following swift interventions by police operatives.
In Edo State, the rescue followed a deadly ambush on commuters along the Fugar-Agenebode Road in Etsako East Local Government Area at about 7:20 p.m. on Friday, July 11. The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected kidnappers, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the abduction of several others.
Security forces, in partnership with local vigilante groups, launched a tactical search-and-rescue mission in the nearby Obe Hill area near the Ajaokuta axis.
The team reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, forcing them to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds. Fourteen hostages were rescued during the operation.
“Efforts are being intensified to ensure the fleeing perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement noted.
Barely 24 hours later, in Taraba State, another set of 17 victims were rescued along the Wukari highway. On Saturday, July 12, at approximately 11:45 p.m., suspected kidnappers intercepted a white Toyota bus transporting passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, and led the victims into the bush.
Police operatives, acting on a distress call, teamed up with other security agencies to respond. On approaching the scene, the bandits abandoned the captives and fled. All 17 passengers were found unharmed and reunited with their families.
Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, described the operations as “a reflection of our renewed commitment to public safety and national security.”
He added, “These successful outcomes are proof that our strategies are working. We will continue to intensify operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country.”
The Nigerian Police urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security efforts as nationwide crackdowns on kidnappers and bandits continue.