The Nigeria Police Force has rescued a total of 31 kidnapped victims in two operations in Edo and Taraba States.

The rescue operations, carried out by police operatives in collaboration with local security outfits and sister agencies, underscore the Force’s renewed push to secure communities and restore public confidence in areas plagued by insecurity.

According to police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the first operation occurred in Edo State on Friday, July 11, 2025, when gunmen ambushed commuters along the Fugar-Agenebode Road in Etsako East Local Government Area.

“The attack led to the tragic death of two persons and the abduction of several others.

“Acting swiftly on intelligence, a combined team of police operatives and local security outfits launched a search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area near the Ajaokuta axis.

“The operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the bush with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Fourteen abducted persons were successfully rescued unhurt from the scene”, the Police said.

According to the statement, security forces have intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and bring them to justice.

In a related development in Taraba State, police operatives on Saturday, July 12, 2025, responded to a distress call around 11:45 p.m. reporting a kidnapping incident on the Wukari highway near the Federal University Wukari.

“A white Toyota bus carrying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. Upon arrival, the operatives, working alongside other security agencies, advanced toward the scene.

“The suspects, sensing the presence of law enforcement, abandoned their victims and fled into the bush. All 17 passengers were rescued unhurt”, the statement reads.

Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, lauded the swift and courageous efforts of the officers involved in both operations.

He emphasized that the successful rescue missions demonstrate the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to public safety and national security.

Egbetokun also reiterated the Force’s determination to sustain and intensify targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the country.

“These operations are a testament to our proactive stance and resolve to ensure the safety of every Nigerian. We will not relent until all criminal elements are flushed out,” he said.

The force assured the public that similar tactical interventions will continue nationwide to restore peace and order in troubled areas.