Police deploy 30 patrol vans, eight armoured personnel carriers to strengthen fight against kidnappers
Eight kidnapped victims, including an eight-year-old girl, have regained their freedom following coordinated security operations in two communities in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were rescued between October 31 and November 2, 2026, during operations in Millennium City and Maraban Rido, involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the military, with support from the Kaduna State Government.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference at the DSS Command Headquarters in Kaduna.
Rabiu said the operations were part of sustained efforts by security agencies to track down and dismantle criminal networks responsible for repeated kidnappings in Millennium City and neighbouring communities.
He acknowledged that the activities of kidnappers in the affected areas had continued to generate serious concerns among residents and other stakeholders, prompting intensified security interventions.
The rescued victims were identified as Jamila Muhammad, Talatu Yakubu, Yunana Bawa, Calista Bishop, Chidinma Onuwere, Eucharia Obi, Godiya Victor and eight-year-old Miracle Alex.
The latest rescue comes barely three weeks after security operatives freed Ahmad Zakka and members of his family, who were abducted on October 15, 2026.
Describing the operation as a demonstration of the determination of security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities, Rabiu commended the Office of the National Security Adviser for coordinating the intervention.
He also praised the police, DSS and military for their roles in the successful operations, while acknowledging the support of the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani.
The police commissioner further announced plans to strengthen security operations across the state through the deployment of additional personnel and operational equipment, including 30 patrol vans and eight armoured personnel carriers.
According to him, the difficult terrain in some parts of Kaduna State has continued to provide criminal groups with opportunities to evade security forces and sustain their operations.
He, however, assured residents that security agencies were working to restrict the movements of the criminals, deny them safe havens and dismantle their networks.
Rabiu maintained that the operations would continue, assuring residents of the commitment of security agencies to protecting lives and property.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report useful information about the identities, activities and movements of suspected kidnappers and other criminals to security agencies.
