The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnap victims who were held for more than 40 days and arrested five suspected informants linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in parts of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by a joint security team comprising officers from Fushin Kada Division in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Hunkuyi, following sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated surveillance.
Police said the team tracked the suspects to a suspected bandits’ hideout, where the criminals fled upon sighting advancing security operatives, abandoning the victims.
“The bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” the statement said.
The rescued 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.
They were taken to a police medical facility for examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.
The police also confirmed the arrest of five suspected informants alleged to have supported the kidnappers with information and logistics.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects played roles in facilitating the abduction, while interrogation is ongoing.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the officers involved in the operation, describing it as a result of professionalism and inter-agency cooperation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The Commissioner added that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
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