The long arm of the law has finally closed in on a kidnapping ring in Kaduna State, as police operatives rescued three abducted victims who endured over 40 harrowing days in captivity, while also nabbing five suspected informants believed to be the unseen hands feeding the criminal network.
The Kaduna State Police Command, through its spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, describing the operation as a carefully orchestrated strike against criminal elements.
Hassan explained that the rescue was executed by a combined security team from Fushin Kada, working hand-in-hand with the Divisional Police Officer in Hunkuyi, in what he described as a classic case of “pressure, patience and precision” paying off.
According to him, the operation was the product of weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated security manoeuvres that eventually flushed out the suspected bandits from their hideout.
“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” he said.
The freed victims — Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area in Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State — were described as survivors who walked out of the jaws of danger unscathed.
Hassan said the victims were immediately taken to the police clinic for medical checks and treatment before being reunited with their families, bringing an emotional end to weeks of agony and uncertainty.
He further disclosed that five suspected informants were picked up during the investigation, allegedly acting as the “eyes and ears” of the kidnappers on the ground.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly supplied critical information and logistical backing that helped the kidnappers operate under the radar.
“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” he stated.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the operatives for what he called a job well done, praising their professionalism, resilience and seamless teamwork that made the operation a success.
He reaffirmed that the command would not give criminals breathing space, stressing that kidnapping and other violent crimes would continue to be met with an iron fist.
Muhammad also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, noting that security is a shared responsibility and no single hand can win the battle alone.
He added that investigations were still ongoing to smoke out other members of the syndicate, assuring that the net is gradually tightening around all those connected to the crime.
