The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the rescue of 31 kidnapped victims in Edo and Taraba States following two separate, coordinated security operations targeting armed kidnappers.
In a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police described the operations as “significant breakthroughs” in the ongoing fight against banditry and kidnapping across the country.
According to the statement, the first incident occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7:20 p.m. along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Armed kidnappers ambushed commuters travelling along the busy highway, killing two people and abducting several others.
The statement reads in part: “In a sustained effort against banditry and kidnapping, the Nigeria Police Force has again recorded significant breakthroughs in Taraba and Edo States, successfully rescuing thirty-one (31) kidnapped victims in two separate coordinated operations.
“In Edo State, on Friday, July 11, 2025, at about 7:20 p.m., police operatives of the state command responded to an attack along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers ambushed commuters, resulting in the death of two persons and the abduction of several others.
“A swift joint operation involving police operatives and local security outfits led to a coordinated search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area, near the Ajaokuta axis.
“The rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel near Obe Hill, causing them to flee with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. Fourteen (14) kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during the raid. Efforts are being intensified to ensure the fleeing perpetrators are brought to justice.
“In a related development in Taraba State, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at about 11:45 p.m., police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a kidnapping incident along the Wukari highway, after Federal University Wukari, where a white Toyota bus conveying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.
“Upon receiving the call, operatives mobilised in collaboration with other security agencies and advanced to the scene. On sighting the approaching security forces, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind all 17 kidnapped victims unhurt. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing culprits.”
“The IGP further assured members of the public that targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks across the country will continue with renewed vigour,” the statement added.