By Deborah Nnamdi
The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped victims who spent more than 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants believed to be linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.
According to Hassan, the rescue operation was carried out by a joint security team led by personnel from Fushin Kada in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi.
He explained that the operation followed weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and coordinated security efforts, which enabled operatives to trace the kidnappers to a suspected hideout.
Hassan said the bandits fled upon sighting the advancing security personnel, abandoning their captives who were subsequently rescued unharmed.
The victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State.
Following their rescue, the victims were taken to a police clinic where they received medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.
The police spokesperson further revealed that five suspected informants were arrested during the course of the investigation.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects allegedly provided information and logistical support to the kidnappers, aiding their criminal activities.
According to Hassan, the suspects confessed to their involvement during interrogation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration among the various security agencies involved in the operation.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, assuring residents that security operatives would continue to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
Muhammad also urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against criminality.
He added that investigations are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
