Police rescue 14 kidnap victims from Zamfara forest

The Zamfara police command says its operatives rescued 14 kidnap victims during an operation at Kunchin Kalgo forest in Tsafe LGA of the state.

The victims were kidnapped from their communities in Nasarawa Wanke and Rijiya in Gusau LGA.

They had spent 42 days in captivity before their rescue, on Tuesday.

Mohammed Shehu, Zamfara police spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday, said the victims were rescued by the police in collaboration with some individuals in response to intelligence about bandits’ hideouts in the forest.

“In its commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state, the Zamfara State Police Command has rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped victims during a search-and-rescue operation at Kunchin Kalgo forest in Tsafe LGA of the state,” Shehu said.

“On 21st June 2022, Police Tactical Operatives deployed along Kunchin Kalgo axis in collaboration with some individuals who have resolved to partner with security agencies in restoring peace to the state acted on credible intelligence and stormed a suspected bandit’s hideout, leading to the rescue of fourteen (14) victims including two (2) babies of 1 year old each.

“In the course of debriefing, the victims informed the police that, the bandits invaded Nasarawar Wanke and Rijiya villages in Gusau LGA and abducted them to their enclave, where they spent 42 days in captivity.

“The commissioner of police, CP Ayuba N. Elkanah psc(+) while handing over the victims to their relations, appreciates the government and people of the state for the continuous support and collaboration to the police and assures of intensifying effort to safely rescue kidnapped victims and reunite them with their families.”