Police: 187 abductees rescued in Zamfara — in one day

The Zamfara police command says security operatives, in a joint operation, rescued 187 persons kidnapped from several communities across the state.

Mohammed Shehu, Zamfara police spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, the abducted persons included men, women and children, and they were handed over to the state government.

The abductees were said to have spent weeks in captivity before they regained their freedom.

“Following the implementation of the new security measures by the Zamfara state government, the police and other security agencies have been carrying out assaults on identified bandits’ locations in different parts of the state, with a view to ridding the state of all recalcitrant bandits and other criminal elements,” he said.

“Today, 7th October, 2021, police tactical operatives, in a joint operation at Tsibiri forest in Maradun local government area of the state, succeeded in the unconditional rescue of 187 victims abducted in Rini, Gora, Sabon Birni and Shinkafi communities in Bakura Maradun and Shinkafi LGAs, respectively.

“The abducted victims, who had spent many weeks in captivity, were unconditionally rescued following an extensive search-and-rescue operation that lasted for hours.”

Ayuba Elkanah, Zamfara commissioner of police, while handing over the rescued victims to the state government, said the new security measures in the state have been yielding tremendous results.

Telecommunications services across the state have been shut down for weeks, as part of a “security strategy” to tackle banditry.

The state had also announced restrictions on the use of motorcycles, among other security measures.

According to NAN, the police said several bandits and their collaborators have been arrested, while some have been charged to court, and others are undergoing discreet investigation.

Elkanah added that security agencies will continue to put in their best to ensure improved safety in the state.

He also sympathised with the victims on the suffering they passed through while in captivity.

Responding while receiving the rescued victims, Bello Matawalle, Zamfara governor, commended security agencies for their efforts.

Matawalle, who was represented by Kabiru Balarabe, secretary to the state government, also assured residents of the government’s commitment to improving security.

He added that the state government will ensure that the victims undergo medical treatment before they are reunited with their families.