17 kidnapped victims rescued from Niger, 21 rifles seized in Kaduna

He said: “On April 9, 2025, in a feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on March 3, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.

“This operation, notably achieved through a non-kinetic approach, evidences the commitment of the IGP to leveraging intelligence-led policing and inter-agency synergy to address security challenges.

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The rescued victims include Williams Ubadia (15), Samuel Ezekiel (15), Duza Ezekiel (13), Ishaku Ishaya (12), Sunday Ezekiel (8), Jessy Friday (6), Rebecca Ezekiel (32), Jummai Ishaya (32), and Terriza Friday (30).

Others are Alice Ezekiel (35), Victoria Ishaya (32), Blessing Ezekiel (20), Gloria Ubadia (13), Gift Ubadia (10), Charity Ezekiel (9), Alheri Ishaya (5), and Favour Ezekiel, one year old toddler.

“All rescued individuals were promptly taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical examination and have been certified to be in stable and sound health.

“On the same day, April 9, 2025, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acting on credible intelligence intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharon vehicle at the Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna.

“Upon thorough search, officers discovered 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles concealed within the vehicle.

“The suspect, identified as Jamilu Suleiman, a 27 year old male resident of Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested and is currently in custody.