The Nigeria Police Force has announced the rescue of 31 kidnapped victims in two separate operations in Taraba and Edo states. This was contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday.

In the statement, Adejobi said, In Edo State, on Friday, July 11th, 2025, at approximately 7:20 pm, police operatives from the state command swiftly responded to an attack along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area. He added that suspected kidnappers had ambushed commuters, resulting in the tragic death of two individuals and the abduction of several others.

The rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel near Obe Hill, forcing them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, and successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims. The force PRO further explained that efforts are currently being intensified to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing perpetrators.

He added that similarly, in Taraba State on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at about 11:45 pm, police operatives responded promptly to a distress call concerning a kidnapping incident along the Wukari highway, just after Federal University Wukari.  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 report, operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilized and advanced to the scene.

On sighting the approaching security forces, the suspected kidnappers abandoned all 17 kidnapped victims unhurt and fled into the surrounding bush. Efforts are underway to apprehend these culprits. Commenting on the police operations, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the gallantry and swift action of the operatives involved in both operations. He emphasized that these successful outcomes reflect the reinforced commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to citizen protection and national security. The IG further assured the public that targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks across the country will continue with renewed vigour.