Police Rescue 47 Kidnap Victims, 39 Human Trafficking Survivors

The Katsina State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of 47 kidnapped victims and 39 survivors of human trafficking during various coordinated operations across the state in October 2025.

The breakthrough was disclosed during a press briefing held at the Katsina Police Command Headquarters, where the Command also outlined other achievements recorded within the month.

According to the report, the rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while ongoing investigations aim to dismantle the networks responsible for the abductions and trafficking activities.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Abubakar, explained that the operations were part of intensified efforts to curb rising cases of kidnapping and human trafficking, especially in rural areas and border communities prone to criminal activities.

“Through intelligence-led operations, our teams were able to trace, identify, and rescue 47 kidnapped persons and 39 victims of human trafficking. These individuals are now safe and receiving necessary care and support,” he said.

The Command noted that the successful rescue operations were achieved through collaboration with community vigilantes, local intelligence networks, and security operatives deployed across the state.

The victims, according to police sources, were found in different parts of the state, with some having been held captive for weeks.

In addition to the rescues, the Command revealed that several suspects were arrested for various offences, including armed robbery, homicide, rape, and drug trafficking, while several weapons, vehicles, and stolen livestock were recovered.

The Police spokesperson commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun for his guidance and operational support, and also thanked the Katsina State Government and members of the public for their cooperation.

“We urge residents to continue providing timely information to the police. Together, we can make Katsina safer for everyone,” the spokesman added.

“You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see,” the minister had said.

The security men in Wike’s entourage had earlier tried to persuade the soldiers to allow Wike access to the land, but they refused,

“We cannot continue to act with impunity. We cannot continue this way. This country cannot go along this line.”

“You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those that they can intimidate,” the minister shouted, yet the soldiers who said they were acting on orders from above refused to allow him to go in.

“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position, seeing that he has a problem, cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what’s going on,’ or simply because he is a military man, they could use that to intimidate Nigerians.”