By Bukola Olamona

In a significant offensive against criminal elements, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued 17 kidnapped victims, recovered 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles, and neutralised three armed robbers in separate operations across Kaduna State.

The 17 abductees, comprising both adults and minors, were rescued on 19 March, 2025, following intelligence-driven operations which commenced after their abduction on 3 March, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa in Niger State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement made available to Weekend Hope.

He noted that the rescue operation, which took place around 2am in Agwabi, Tombo Ward, Buruku Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was carried out without the use of force.

The success of the operation, he said, highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration in line with the strategic directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at tackling violent crimes and bolstering public safety across the country.

Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical attention and have since been confirmed to be in stable condition.

In a related development, the statement further revealed that on the same day, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna. A meticulous search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles hidden inside.

The driver, a 27-year-old man identified as Jamilu Suleiman from Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested on the spot and is currently in custody.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Suleiman was acting on instructions from a union member to deliver the illicit firearms to an unidentified recipient in Kaduna.

A comprehensive investigation has since been launched to unearth the arms trafficking network and bring all culprits to book.

Furthermore, the Police Command, acting on a distress call, responded swiftly to an armed robbery incident in progress at Doggi Farm, along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, on 9 April, 2025, at approximately 5am.

According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Tafa Division led a patrol team to the scene, where they confronted a gang of about 30 heavily armed robbers in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Two of the robbers were gunned down during the confrontation, while others fled into the surrounding hills.

Two injured suspects were captured and rushed to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon Wuse, for treatment. One of the suspects later died, while the other remains alive and is assisting the Police with ongoing investigations.

The statement concluded that efforts are in top gear to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang, ensuring they face the full wrath of the law.