The Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and the military have rescued eight persons abducted in the Millennium City and Maraban Rido areas of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were rescued between October 31 and November 2, 2026, during coordinated security operations involving federal security and intelligence agencies and the Kaduna State Government.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference at the DSS Command headquarters in Kaduna.
Rabiu said the operations were part of sustained efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks responsible for recurring kidnappings in the Millennium City area and its environs.
He said, “The area has witnessed recurring incidents of kidnapping, which have generated considerable public concern and attracted media attention over the safety of residents and other stakeholders.
“Our operations are aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for these activities and ensuring the safety of residents.”
The rescued victims were identified as Jamila Muhammad, 27, wife of Abdulkadir Bello; Talatu Yakubu, 40; Yunana Bawa, 30; Calista Bishop, 27; Chidinma Onuwere, 36; Eucharia Obi, 41; Godiya Victor, 50; and an eight-year-old girl, Miracle Alex.
The latest breakthrough came barely weeks after security agencies rescued Ahmad Zakka and members of his family from captivity on October 15, 2026.
The police commissioner said the successive rescue operations demonstrated the determination of security agencies to secure the release of abducted persons and dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
He said, “These successes are a demonstration of our collective resolve to ensure that victims of kidnapping are rescued and those responsible for these criminal activities are brought to justice.”
Rabiu acknowledged the strategic coordination provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the operational support of the police, the intelligence-driven efforts of the DSS and the involvement of the military.
He also commended the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, for its continued support and cooperation with security agencies in tackling kidnapping and banditry.
He added, “The commitment and support of the Kaduna State Government have continued to strengthen our operations. We appreciate the cooperation and assistance extended to the security agencies in the fight against insecurity.”
The commissioner said the operations reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening national security and protecting lives and property through effective coordination among security and intelligence institutions.
He assured residents that security operations would be sustained and strengthened to eliminate kidnapping and banditry across the state.
Rabiu, however, identified the complex terrain in parts of Kaduna as one of the challenges exploited by criminal elements, adding that additional personnel and equipment had been deployed to improve security.
He said, “We are strengthening our operational capacity with additional deployments, including 30 patrol vans and eight armoured personnel carriers, to ensure effective security coverage and deny criminals freedom of action.”
The commissioner called on residents to complement the efforts of security agencies by remaining vigilant and providing credible and actionable intelligence on the activities, identities and movements of suspected kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.
He assured the public that information supplied to security agencies would be treated confidentially and acted upon appropriately.
Rabiu said, “We urge residents to provide timely and credible information. Such information will be treated with the necessary confidentiality and acted upon appropriately.”
He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the collective campaign against insecurity.
The police commissioner appealed to media organisations to sustain their support through responsible and professional reporting, particularly by avoiding unverified information capable of undermining security operations or creating unnecessary panic.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the DSS, ONSA, police, military and Kaduna State Government to restoring lasting peace across the state.
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