Police, DSS guards brigade rescue 20 kidnapped victims in Kaduna
…neutralise suspects recover arms and ammunition Personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, in collaboration with operatives of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department
...neutralise suspects recover arms and ammunition
Personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, in collaboration with operatives of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes, carried out a coordinated search-and-rescue operation between March 6 and 8, 2026.
According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers fleeing ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest had crossed into Gidan Dogo Forest and Kweri Forest with abducted victims.
Acting on the intelligence, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led the joint tactical team into the forest to track down the suspected criminals.
As the operatives approached the kidnappers’ hideout, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle that lasted for over one hour and thirty minutes.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the police said the operatives eventually overpowered the kidnappers through superior tactics and firepower.
“Suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while two others identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello were arrested. Other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest and hills,” the statement said.
"The operation led to the successful rescue of twenty (20) kidnapped victims comprising ten (10) males and ten (10) females who were earlier abducted from Byazhin District of the FCT, as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State.
"One AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, one magazine loaded with twenty (20) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and one locally made firearm were recovered from the suspects. The rescued victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
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"The Command also appeals to members of the press and other social media users to exercise patience when reporting sensitive security incidents such as kidnappings or ongoing rescue operations. Premature or unverified dissemination of such information can endanger the lives of victims and compromise the safety of officers actively involved in rescue missions.
"While commending the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, urged residents of the FCT to remain calm, vigilant, and security conscious. He also urged them to promptly report suspicious persons or movements to the Command through the following emergency numbers 08032003913, 08061581938."
The list of 20 victims rescued are; Olowa Tosin, Blessing Titi, Success Anthony, Victor Anthony, Angel Anthony, Flourish Anthony, Oniwola Ganiyu, Mercy Jafia and Bashir Umar (35 years).
Others are; Hannatu Yohanna, James Raphael, Danjuma Joy, Pastor Bulus Ganiyu, Abdulmumini Adamu, Abubakar Garba, Ruth Precious, Idris Ayuba, Damina Precious, Tanko Jeji and Isah Bello.
