Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 75 travellers, including men, women and children, who were abducted by armed gunmen near Folwaya Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area and held captive inside a cave in a mountainous forest. The dramatic rescue operation, which unfolded on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., saw police operatives storm the kidnappers' hideout, forcing the abductors to flee in disarray and abandon their captives. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, the victims were travelling in commercial buses when they were intercepted by unknown gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons. The abductors subsequently marched the travellers into the forest and concealed them inside a cave within a mountainous area.
The rescue operation was triggered by a timely tip-off from the Birnin Gwari branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, which provided credible intelligence to the police command. Upon receiving the information, a crack team from the Birnin Gwari Area Command was immediately deployed to the location. The arrival of the heavily armed police operatives proved decisive, as the kidnappers fled on sighting the security personnel, abandoning the victims. All 75 victims were rescued unharmed, according to the police. Some items were also recovered during the operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, commended the NURTW branch for providing what he described as "timely and vital information" that enabled the police to respond swiftly. He also praised the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and his operatives for their swift and professional response to the distress call. CP Muhammad urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the police. He, however, cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, warning that such actions could result in the loss of innocent lives.
The victims, identified as Fulani travellers, were reportedly abducted while travelling in commercial buses. They are currently receiving medical attention and are being debriefed by security agencies before being reunited with their families. The successful rescue operation has been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping and banditry in Kaduna State, which has continued to face security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and attacks on travellers and rural communities. Birnin Gwari, in particular, has been a hotspot for such criminal activities, with travellers and residents often falling prey to armed gangs operating in the area.
This rescue operation underscores the importance of community collaboration and intelligence-sharing in combating insecurity. The NURTW's decision to provide timely information to the police played a critical role in the success of the operation, demonstrating that citizens can be powerful allies in the fight against crime. The police command has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, and has urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies. As the rescued victims begin their journey towards recovery and reintegration, their freedom stands as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the unwavering commitment of the Kaduna State Police Command to protect the lives of its citizens. For the people of Birnin Gwari and the wider Kaduna State, the successful rescue offers a glimmer of hope that the tide may finally be turning against the forces of terror and lawlessness that have plagued the region for too long.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments