Police Rescue 90 Kidnap Victims In Nationwide 24-Hour Operation

The Nigeria Police Force has reported a major operational success, rescuing 90 kidnapped victims across several states in a coordinated 24-hour effort.

The operations took place between August 18 and 20, 2026, according to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.

The largest single rescue occurred in Kaduna State, where police detectives saved 75 abducted persons near Polwaya Village.

The victims were taken from commercial buses in the Birnin Gwari area and hidden in a mountainous forest, but the abductors fled upon the arrival of security operatives, leaving all captives unharmed . The victims were conveyed to the Area Command for debriefing.

In Benue State, joint tactical teams rescued 13 kidnapped passengers during a night operation at Amla-Cho Forest.

The victims were abducted on August 14 while traveling from Enugu to Abuja on the Otukpo–Adoka Road.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, confirmed the rescue occurred at about 2:00 am on August 20 following five days of sustained search efforts.

All 13 victims were rescued unhurt, though one suspected kidnapper was earlier neutralised during a gun battle.

In the Federal Capital Territory, police operatives and vigilantes rescued two kidnapped victims during bush-combing operations in Sunami Forest, Kuje Area Council.

The victims were abandoned by their abductors without any ransom being paid, and one injured victim received medical treatment before being discharged to his family.

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their courage and resilience, assuring residents that efforts are being intensified to track down fleeing suspects.

He also urged transport operators to maintain accurate passenger manifests to facilitate the identification and rescue of passengers during emergencies.