DSS Rescues 28 Abducted Travellers After 20 Days in Captivity in Plateau

DSS Rescues 28 Abducted Travellers After 20 Days in Captivity in Plateau

Twenty-eight travellers abducted on December 21, 2025, in Zak community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, have regained their freedom following a security operation by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The victims — comprising men, women and children — were travelling to Sabon Layi community in the same district to attend a Maulud celebration when they were seized by suspected kidnappers.

After the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly contacted relatives of the victims, initially demanding a ransom of ₦1.5 million per person. Family members said they could not meet the demand and pleaded with the abductors to release their loved ones.

The ransom demand was later reduced to ₦30 million, with an additional requirement of three brand-new motorcycles. On Thursday, the abductors again reviewed their conditions, allegedly demanding ₦1.5 million and one new motorcycle per victim before agreeing to free them.

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Confirming the development, a youth leader in Wase LGA, Sapi’i Sambo, said operatives of the DSS informed the community overnight that the victims had been rescued.

“Operatives of the DSS called in the night that they had rescued the victims. It was good news everywhere in Wase because people had been worried about what would happen if the conditions weren’t met. We’re happy with the development,” Sambo said.

Also speaking, Dauda Ibrahim, a parent from Zak community whose child was among the abducted travellers, said security officials confirmed that the victims were safe and currently in Bashar town.

“We were told by the security that our children have been released and are currently in Bashar town. We are grateful to God Almighty and to the DSS operatives,” he said.

It remains unclear whether any ransom was eventually paid, though relatives of the victims insisted that no payment was made. The travellers reportedly spent 20 days in captivity before their release.

DSS Rescues 28 Abducted Travellers After 20 Days in Captivity in Plateau