By Emamuzo Iboma
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 31 kidnap victims in coordinated operations across Taraba and Edo States, reaffirming its commitment to tackling banditry and ensuring public safety.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the successful rescue in a statement issued on Friday, commending the resilience and swift response of police operatives in both states.
In Edo State, on July 11, 2025, at about 7:20 pm, suspected kidnappers ambushed commuters along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area, killing two people and abducting several others. A joint team of police and local security agencies engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle near Obe Hill, forcing them to flee with gunshot injuries. Fourteen abducted victims were rescued during the operation, which remains ongoing.
Similarly, in Taraba State, on July 12, 2025, around 11:45 pm, police responded to a distress call regarding a hijacked white Toyota bus transporting 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola. The ambush occurred near the Federal University Wukari along the Wukari highway. Police operatives promptly arrived at the scene and engaged the armed kidnappers, who fled into the forest, abandoning all 17 hostages unharmed.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, hailed the operations as a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry and praised the bravery of the officers involved. He said the success represents a critical step in curbing the rising insecurity across affected regions.
According to the police, the Taraba rescue followed credible intelligence that enabled operatives to track the kidnappers’ movements. Authorities are still pursuing the fleeing suspects in both states.
The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families and are receiving medical care and counseling. State officials have lauded the police efforts and reaffirmed their support for sustained operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.
The police urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies to bolster community safety and prevent future abductions.
