Police forces, working alongside local hunters and vigilantes, successfully rescued three kidnap victims following an intense shootout with criminals in Kumar Village, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State. The operation, which took place on January 11, demonstrated the effectiveness of community-police collaboration in combating kidnapping in the region.
The rescue mission unfolded after the Officer in charge of Nayeh Police outpost, Ibi Division, received credible intelligence about suspicious movements of suspected kidnappers in the Unguwan Wulliam Kumar Village forest at approximately 6:35 PM. Responding swiftly to the information, a combined team of law enforcement and local security groups mobilized to the location.
State Police Command Spokesman, SP Abdullahi Usman, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ukachi Peter Opara, detailed how the operation led to the freedom of Alhaji Ja’o Ahmadu, 50, Gomna Shano, 20, both from Wuse in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and Donnal Himbeto, 30, from Kuka Shendam, Plateau State.
The confrontation escalated when the criminals, upon spotting the approaching security team, opened fire. However, the superior firepower of the combined forces proved decisive, forcing the kidnappers to flee into the forest with serious injuries. The victims, who had been bound and held captive in the forest, were found unharmed during the subsequent search operation.
Further investigation revealed that the victims had originally been abducted from Nasarawa State, highlighting the cross-state nature of kidnapping operations in the region. This discovery underscores the importance of inter-state cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Commissioner Opara praised the collaborative efforts between the police division and local security groups, emphasizing how such partnerships strengthen the fight against criminal activities. The success of this operation serves as a model for future security initiatives, demonstrating the value of combining formal law enforcement with community-based security efforts.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing criminals, with tactical teams continuing to comb the forest areas. This aggressive pursuit reflects the command’s commitment to eliminating criminal safe havens within the state. To bolster these efforts, authorities have urged the public to report any information about criminal activities or suspicious movements through the Command’s control room.
This rescue operation comes at a time when kidnapping has become an increasingly pressing concern across Nigeria, with criminal groups targeting various communities. The success in Taraba provides a glimpse of hope and a potential blueprint for addressing similar security challenges in other parts of the country.
The incident also highlights the evolving nature of security responses in Nigeria, where traditional law enforcement increasingly relies on cooperation with local security groups who possess intimate knowledge of the terrain and community dynamics. This hybrid approach to security has proven particularly effective in rural areas where conventional police forces might face challenges in rapid response and local navigation.
As the hunt for the escaped kidnappers continues, this operation stands as a testament to the potential of coordinated security efforts in combating kidnapping and other forms of organized crime. The rescue not only saved three lives but also demonstrated that determined and well-coordinated security responses can effectively challenge criminal operations, even in remote areas.
The police command’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements, coupled with their openness to public assistance through their dedicated communication channels, suggests a comprehensive approach to security that combines professional law enforcement with community engagement and support.
