In a major breakthrough, the Niger State Police Command has reunited 35 kidnapped victims, 16 women and 19 children, with their families after weeks in protective custody.
The victims were rescued from multiple hideouts across Kagara, Tegina, and Agwara in coordinated operations that began on July 3, 2025, following intelligence reports of bandits relocating captives from Birnin-Gwari to new forest hideouts.
The formal handover took place at the state police headquarters in Dutsen Kura, Minna, where Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ibrahim Adamu, representing Commissioner of Police (CP) Adamu Elleman, transferred custody of the victims to Rafi Local Government Chairman, Ayuba Katako.
According to the CP’s statement, the victims received medical care, counselling, and psychosocial support during their time in custody. He explained that the rescue operations led to several interceptions. The first group—five women and six children—was intercepted in Agwara while attempting to cross to New-Bussa. A second group, consisting of four women and seven children, was rescued along the Mekujeri–Tegina road. The final group was found inside a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi of Birnin-Gwari, who is currently under investigation for suspected complicity.
The Police Commissioner assured that the victims underwent rehabilitation and deradicalisation ahead of reintegration. He also urged the public to continue sharing credible intelligence to support ongoing rescue efforts.
Receiving the victims, Chairman Ayuba Katako thanked the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and other security agencies for their swift action. He also commended the Niger State Government for its support, especially in providing food, healthcare, and trauma care during the victims’ recovery.
“The families have long awaited this reunion. Although reintegration requires due diligence, we are glad these individuals are safe and ready to return to their communities,” Katako said.
He pledged continued support, including access to education and vocational training based on each victim’s needs and health status.
Shiroro Local Government Chairman, Akilu Isyaku, also praised the rescue effort, noting that some victims had been missing for so long that their families feared they were dead.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Police and media, especially Channels TV, for raising awareness. We continue to pray for the safe return of those still in captivity,” he said.
Two of the victims shared their stories in Hausa, expressing deep gratitude and trauma. Salma Usman recalled enduring harsh conditions in the forest with her child. She said, “We suffered greatly at the hands of the bandits. We survived by praying and staying hopeful. I’m grateful we’re alive and returning home.”
Halima Shehu, kidnapped at 16 just months after her marriage, shared her painful experience. “I was abducted with my husband and taken through Sambisa and Cameroon forests before being brought back to Niger. I lost my husband during captivity but thank God I’m alive.”
As the victims begin their journey toward healing and reintegration, authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue those still held by criminal groups.
