Kaduna Police Operation: 17 Rescued, 21 AK-47s Recovered

Kaduna Police Rescue 17 Hostages, Recover 21 AK-47 Rifles

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 17 individuals who were kidnapped on March 3, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State. The victims, ranging in age from one to 35 years, were freed through a non-kinetic, intelligence-led operation conducted by the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

After their rescue, all individuals underwent medical examinations at the Police Clinic in Kaduna and were confirmed to be in stable condition.

In a separate operation on April 9, 2025, police intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna.

A search of the vehicle revealed 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles concealed inside. The driver, 27-year-old Jamilu Suleiman from Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested and confessed that he had been instructed to deliver the firearms to an unknown individual. A full investigation has been launched to uncover the arms trafficking network. ​

Additionally, around 5:00 a.m. on the same day, police responded to a distress call at Doggi Farm along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway. Upon arrival, officers engaged approximately 30 armed robbers in a gun battle, resulting in the deaths of two robbers on the spot.

Two additional suspects were captured with injuries; one later died at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, while the other is receiving treatment and cooperating with investigators. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.

These operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of citizens. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasized the importance of intelligence-led and collaborative efforts in maintaining public security.

For a detailed briefing on these operations, you can watch the following video: