Nigeria police intensify anti‑kidnapping drive, rescuing victims and arresting suspects in Bauchi and Jigawa

Police in Nigeria's northern states have stepped up operations against kidnapping and related crimes. In Jigawa State, the command announced the arrest of multiple suspects between June 19 and June 23, including two men accused of attempting to kidnap a resident in Kiyawa LGA, additional suspects linked to cattle rustling, motorcycle theft and other robberies. The suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution, while police continue to hunt remaining accomplices.

In Bauchi State, a joint team of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti‑Kidnapping Unit, local police and Forestry Guards rescued two kidnapping victims from Gwamnare Forest in Ningi LGA on July 1. The operation, carried out under the direction of Commissioner of Police Sani‑Omolori Aliyu, reported no casualties and highlighted ongoing efforts to secure forest areas where kidnappings have surged.