Security agencies have secured the release of eight people abducted in the Millennium City and Maraban Rido areas of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, following a series of coordinated operations that ran from October 31 to November 2, 2026.
A Joint Operation Across Agencies
The rescue mission brought together the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and the military, working alongside the Kaduna State Government. The collaboration combined intelligence gathering with operational deployment, reflecting a multi-agency approach to the kidnapping crisis in the area.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, announced the development on Tuesday at a press conference held at the DSS Command headquarters in Kaduna. He explained that the operations formed part of sustained efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks behind repeated abductions in Millennium City and surrounding communities.
“The area has witnessed recurring incidents of kidnapping, which have generated considerable public concern and attracted media attention over the safety of residents and other stakeholders,” Rabiu said. “Our operations are aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for these activities and ensuring the safety of residents.”
The Rescued Victims
The eight 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.
Their release came only weeks after security agencies rescued Ahmad Zakka and members of his family from captivity on October 15, 2026. According to the police commissioner, the successive operations demonstrate the determination of security agencies to secure the freedom of abducted persons and to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
“These successes are a demonstration of our collective resolve to ensure that victims of kidnapping are rescued and those responsible for these criminal activities are brought to justice,” he said.
Coordination and Government Support
Rabiu acknowledged the strategic coordination provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the operational support of the police, the intelligence-driven efforts of the DSS and the involvement of the military. He also commended the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani for its continued support and cooperation in tackling kidnapping and banditry.
“The commitment and support of the Kaduna State Government have continued to strengthen our operations. We appreciate the cooperation and assistance extended to the security agencies in the fight against insecurity,” he added.
The commissioner said the operations reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening national security and protecting lives and property through effective coordination among security and intelligence institutions. He assured residents that security operations would be sustained and strengthened to eliminate kidnapping and banditry across the state.
Operational Challenges and Reinforcements
Rabiu identified the complex terrain in parts of Kaduna as one of the challenges exploited by criminal elements, noting that additional personnel and equipment had been deployed to improve security coverage.
“We are strengthening our operational capacity with additional deployments, including 30 patrol vans and eight armoured personnel carriers, to ensure effective security coverage and deny criminals freedom of action,” he said.
Call for Public Cooperation
The police commissioner urged residents to complement the efforts of security agencies by remaining vigilant and providing credible, actionable intelligence on the activities, identities and movements of suspected kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements. He assured the public that any information supplied would be treated confidentially and acted upon appropriately.
“We urge residents to provide timely and credible information. Such information will be treated with the necessary confidentiality and acted upon appropriately,” he said.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the collective campaign against insecurity, and appealed to media organisations to sustain responsible and professional reporting, particularly by avoiding unverified information capable of undermining security operations or creating unnecessary panic.
Rabiu reaffirmed the commitment of the DSS, ONSA, the police, the military and the Kaduna State Government to restoring lasting peace across the state.
