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The Nigeria Police Force has reported the successful rescue of 31 abducted individuals in two distinct operations conducted in Taraba and Edo states.
This announcement was made by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday.
The statement revealed that, "In our ongoing battle against banditry and kidnapping, the Nigeria Police Force has achieved notable successes in both Taraba and Edo States, successfully rescuing 31 kidnapping victims during two coordinated operations."
"In Edo State, on Friday, July 11th, 2025, around 7:20 pm, police officers from the state command swiftly reacted to an assault along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area. Suspected kidnappers had ambushed travelers, leading to the unfortunate death of two individuals and the abduction of several others.
A swift joint operation, involving police and local security personnel, initiated a search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area, close to the Ajaokuta axis.
The rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight near Obe Hill, compelling them to flee with varying gunshot injuries, while successfully rescuing 14 victims."
The force PRO added that efforts are currently being enhanced to ensure the capture and prosecution of the fleeing suspects.
In a similar operation in Taraba State on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at approximately 11:45 pm, police responded quickly to an urgent call regarding a kidnapping incident on the Wukari highway, just beyond Federal University Wukari.
A white Toyota bus, carrying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been ambushed by armed individuals believed to be kidnappers.
Upon receiving the alert, police, along with other security agencies, mobilized to the scene. When the suspects spotted the incoming security forces, they abandoned all 17 abducted victims unharmed and fled into the nearby forest. Efforts to apprehend these criminals are ongoing.
In commenting on the police operations, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun praised the bravery and prompt responses of the operatives involved in both missions.
He stressed that these successful results illustrate the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring national security.
The IG further assured the public that focused operations to dismantle criminal networks nationwide will persist with increased determination.
