Metro

Police free three after 40 days in captivity

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnap victims held for more than 40 days and arrested five suspected informants linked to the syndicate.

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Mansir Hassan, announced the development in a statement on Saturday. He said the rescue was carried out by a joint security team led by officers from Fushin Kada, working alongside the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Hunkuyi.

According to Mr Hassan, the operation was the result of sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance, and coordinated security efforts, which led operatives to a suspected bandits’ hideout.

“Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims, who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” he said.

The rescued individuals were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan Local Government Area, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village, Niger State.

Mr Hassan confirmed that the victims were taken to a police clinic for medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.

He added that five suspected informants had been arrested during the investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the suspects provided information and logistical support to the kidnappers.

“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” Mr Hassan said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism, dedication, and collaboration among security agencies that made the operation successful.

Mr Muhammad reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against criminality.

The commissioner said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure that all involved were brought to justice.

Source: NAN