The Kaduna State Police Command has secured the release of three kidnapped victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants connected to the abduction network. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the rescue operation was carried out by a joint security team led by personnel from Fushin Kada Division in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer of Hunkuyi. The operation followed weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and coordinated security efforts that eventually led operatives to a suspected bandits’ hideout in the area.
Security sources reported that upon sighting the advancing personnel, the bandits fled into the bush and abandoned the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed. The freed captives were identified as Ekechikwu Omale and Ummi Salisu, both from Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State. After their rescue, the victims were taken to the police clinic for medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families. Police confirmed that no ransom was paid during the operation and emphasized that the rescue was achieved through intelligence-led policing.
In addition to rescuing the victims, the command arrested five suspected informants during the course of investigation. Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects allegedly provided information and logistical support to the kidnappers, helping them monitor movements and coordinate abductions. According to DSP Hassan, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration among security agencies that led to the successful operation. He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The Kaduna State Government and security agencies have intensified operations against banditry and kidnapping syndicates operating across the state and neighboring regions. Commissioner Muhammad urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against criminality. He stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
This rescue comes amid broader security efforts across Kaduna and other northern states where kidnapping for ransom has become a major challenge. Authorities have consistently maintained that intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration are key to disrupting abduction networks. The successful rescue of Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa after over 40 days in captivity demonstrates the impact of sustained surveillance and coordinated operations. Families of the victims expressed relief following their reunion, while security operatives continue to maintain pressure on criminal hideouts in the state.
