The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 31 kidnapped victims in separate, coordinated operations carried out in Edo and Taraba states, following intense gun battles with suspected herdsmen.
This was revealed in a statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who described the successful missions as a testament to the police’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and maintaining national security.
According to Adejobi, on Friday, July 11, 2025, around 7:20 p.m., officers from the Edo State Police Command responded to a violent kidnapping along the Fugar-Agenebode Road in Etsako East Local Government Area, where armed assailants had ambushed commuters, killing two and abducting several others.
A rapid joint response by police operatives and local security forces led to a rescue operation in the Obe Hill area near the Ajaokuta axis. A fierce exchange of gunfire forced the kidnappers to flee with injuries, resulting in the successful rescue of 14 abducted individuals.
“In Edo, the rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel near Obe Hill, causing them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries. Fourteen kidnapped victims were successfully rescued,” the statement noted. He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a similar incident in Taraba State on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at about 11:45 p.m., police operatives responded to a distress call about a kidnapping along the Wukari highway, shortly after the Federal University Wukari. A white Toyota bus conveying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola was ambushed by gunmen believed to be kidnappers.
Police, working in coordination with other security agencies, quickly mobilised and moved to the scene of the incident. Upon spotting the advancing security team, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and escaped into the surrounding bush. All 17 abducted passengers were safely rescued without injury.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the bravery and prompt action of the officers involved in the rescue efforts. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s strong commitment to dismantling criminal networks nationwide.
“These successful outcomes reflect the reinforced commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to citizen protection and national security,” the IGP stated, assuring that more targeted operations would follow with renewed vigour.