Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on Wednesday handed over two rescued minors who were victims of kidnapping to their parents at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP said that no ransom was paid to rescue the two rescued minors as he emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force, under his leadership, is more determined than ever, to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes head-on.
“Our zeal is evident in our relentless pursuit of criminals, our strategic deployment of resources, and our commitment to adopting the latest technologies and intelligence-gathering methods, Egbetokun said.
He further said that the crime of kidnapping, especially when it involves innocent children, strikes at the very heart of humanity and society as it is a gross violation of human rights and a traumatic experience for the victims and their families.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, there has been a robust focus on security reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and responsiveness of the country’s security architecture.
“Today’s briefing on the successful rescue operation is a direct result of these strategic initiatives stemming from leveraging advanced intelligence from our Force Intelligence Department and operational tactics from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Katsina Command as well as tactical support from the Nigerian Airforce 215 FOB, Funtua, which led to locating and safe rescue of these minors.
While assuring the citizenry that the Police in full collaboration with other law enforcement and security agencies, will not relent in its efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for all, the IGP said that the Police will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every citizen, especially children, can live without violence, and the fear of being victims of such crimes.
Recall in November 2022, the quiet village of Jangebe in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was shattered by an act of violence that would forever change the lives of one family. Armed bandits, riding over 60 motorcycles, invaded the residence of Honorable Aminu Ardo, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly. In a brutal display of terror, they abducted his wife, Hauwa’u, and their four young children: Maryam, Nana Asma’u, Ummul Khairi, and Abdulrazaq. The abductees were taken to an unknown forest in Katsina State, enduring a harrowing journey by foot and motorcycle; throughout their captivity, these children were sustained on meagre rations of maize and salt, drinking water from a nearby stream.
While in captivity, Hauwa’u gave birth under extremely harsh conditions, but tragically, the newborn did not survive. Despite the unbearable circumstances, Hauwa’u’s strength and resolve remained unbroken. One night, during the rainy season of 2023, she managed to unchain herself and escape with two of her children, Ummul Khairi and Abdulrazaq. However, Maryam and Nana Asma’u were left behind, still in the grip of their captors.
