The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the military have successfully rescued eight people abducted from Millennium City and Maraban Rido communities in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims regained their freedom between October 31 and November 2, 2026, following joint security operations carried out by federal security and intelligence agencies in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, announced the development on Tuesday during a press briefing at the DSS Command headquarters in Kaduna.
Rabiu explained that the operations were part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to track down, disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs behind repeated kidnapping incidents in Millennium City and neighbouring communities.
He noted that the area had experienced several kidnapping cases, raising serious concerns among residents and other stakeholders over their safety.
According to him, the security operations were designed to identify those behind the criminal activities, dismantle their networks and restore confidence among residents.
The eight rescued victims were identified as Jamila Muhammad, 27, wife of Abdulkadir Bello; Talatu Yakubu, 40; Yunana Bawa, 30; Calista Bishop, 27; Chidinma Onuwere, 36; Eucharia Obi, 41; Godiya Victor, 50; and an eight-year-old girl, Miracle Alex.
The latest rescue operation comes just weeks after security operatives freed Ahmad Zakka and members of his family from captivity on October 15, 2026.
The police commissioner described the successive breakthroughs as evidence of the commitment of security agencies to rescuing kidnapped victims and bringing those behind the crimes to justice.
Rabiu praised the Office of the National Security Adviser for its strategic coordination, while acknowledging the operational contributions of the police, intelligence efforts of the DSS and support provided by the military.
He also expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, for its continued cooperation and assistance in the fight against kidnapping and banditry.
The commissioner said the achievements also reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving national security through stronger collaboration among security and intelligence agencies.
He assured residents that security operations would continue and be intensified until kidnapping and banditry were brought under control across the state.
However, Rabiu identified the difficult terrain in some parts of Kaduna as a major challenge exploited by criminal groups.
He disclosed that additional security personnel and operational equipment had been deployed to strengthen the agencies’ capacity to tackle criminal activities.
According to him, the new deployments include 30 patrol vehicles and eight armoured personnel carriers to improve security coverage and restrict the activities of criminal elements.
The commissioner urged residents to support security agencies by providing reliable and timely information about the identities, activities and movements of suspected kidnappers, bandits and other criminals.
He assured members of the public that all intelligence provided would be handled confidentially and appropriately investigated.
Rabiu further called on traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to actively participate in efforts to restore peace and security across the state.
He also appealed to media organisations to maintain responsible and professional reporting, warning against the circulation of unverified reports that could disrupt security operations or create unnecessary public panic.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the DSS, ONSA, Nigeria Police Force, military and Kaduna State Government to working together towards restoring lasting peace and security across Kaduna State.
