35 Kidnapped Victims Rescued in a Daring Niger State Police Command Operation.

By Raymond Enoch

In a major breakthrough against banditry, security forces in Niger State have rescued 35 kidnapped victims, including women and children, during coordinated operations carried out between July 3rd and 5th, 2025.

The development was confirmed in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP W.A. Abiodun, who detailed how victims—many of whom had been held in captivity for over a year—were intercepted along the Madaka-Makujeri road. The victims were being transported from various locations in Niger and Taraba States to Yauri, Kebbi State. Acting on intelligence, police tactical teams apprehended a suspect, Yusuf Abdullahi of Birnin-Gwari, who was driving the victims to a rendezvous point for handover to other members of the kidnapping syndicate.

While some victims were recovered from the vehicle, others were located and rescued in Tegina. All were promptly taken to a medical facility for treatment before being reunited with their families.

In a related development on July 4th, at approximately 4:30 PM, police in Agwara intercepted an additional group of eleven victims—five women and six children—during an attempt to cross the river into Kebbi State. The operation also led to the recovery of two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition. The victims were taken into custody by the Divisional Police Officer and later transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation.

Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips, praised the joint efforts of the security forces and urged the public to assist with timely and actionable intelligence.

“Operations are ongoing to rescue more victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement concluded.