Police Hand Over 17 Kidnapped Victims to Niger State Govt

The Nigeria Police Force has formally handed over 17 rescued kidnapping victims to the Niger State Government. The victims were released to the state authorities following their successful rescue from captivity by security operatives.

The handover took place on Thursday, April 11, 2025, in Minna, the state capital. According to police officials, the victims were rescued during a coordinated security operation aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and addressing the growing concerns of banditry and kidnapping in the region.

The victims, who include men, women, and children, were abducted from various locations within Niger State over the past few weeks. The police did not immediately disclose the exact areas where the kidnappings occurred or the details of the rescue operation, citing ongoing investigations and the need to ensure the safety of future operations.

Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Ogundele J. Ayodeji, led the formal handover to the state government, represented by officials from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. CP Ayodeji stated that the rescue operation was made possible through the collaboration of various security agencies and the support of local vigilante groups.

He added that the safety of citizens remains a top priority for the police and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators behind the abductions. CP Ayodeji commended the resilience of the victims and the efforts of all those involved in their recovery.

The Commissioner also called on communities to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence that could lead to the arrest of criminal elements and the prevention of further attacks. He emphasized that public cooperation is critical in sustaining the fight against insecurity across the state.

The Niger State Government, upon receiving the victims, expressed gratitude to the police and other security operatives for their swift and effective response. State officials assured the victims that they would receive immediate medical attention, psychosocial support, and assistance to reunite with their families.

Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Amina Gimba, who represented the state government during the handover, said the victims would be temporarily accommodated in government facilities before being reintegrated into their communities. She stressed the government’s commitment to providing long-term support for survivors of kidnapping and violence.

Mrs. Gimba also reiterated the need for continued collaboration between security agencies and state institutions to address the root causes of insecurity in Niger State. She noted that the government is working on preventive measures, including community policing and youth empowerment initiatives, to reduce vulnerability to criminal activities.

The rescue and handover of the 17 victims come amid a rise in kidnapping incidents in various parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target rural communities for ransom. Niger State has been particularly affected, with several local government areas experiencing repeated attacks in recent years.

Security analysts have welcomed the rescue operation but have urged authorities to intensify efforts in preventing future abductions and dismantling the networks that facilitate kidnapping and banditry. They also called for increased investment in intelligence gathering and rural security infrastructure.

As the victims begin the process of healing and reintegration, state officials have promised continued monitoring of their welfare. The Niger State Government has also called on the federal government to provide additional support in addressing the broader security challenges facing the region.