Seventy-five travellers have regained their freedom after gunmen reportedly abducted them in Kaduna State.
The victims included men, women and children travelling in commercial buses near Folwaya Village.
The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
The travellers were reportedly taken into a forest and kept inside a cave within mountainous terrain.
The Kaduna abduction triggered a quick response after transport workers alerted the police about the incident.
Kaduna Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan said the Birnin Gwari NURTW branch provided the information.
A police team from the Birnin Gwari Area Command was immediately sent to the area.
According to Hassan, the attackers fled after seeing the approaching police officers.
The victims were then rescued from the forest without injuries and reunited with safety.
“On sighting the well-armed police operatives, the abductors fled, abandoning their captives, who were successfully rescued unharmed,” Hassan stated.
The police credited the rescue to timely information and a rapid security response.
Kaduna Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad praised the NURTW members for alerting authorities quickly.
He also commended the Birnin Gwari Area Commander and his officers for their prompt response.
The commissioner urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies without delay.
“Members of the public should remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the police,” he said.
Muhammad also warned residents against taking security matters into their own hands.
“Residents are urged not to take the law into their own hands, as such actions could lead to the loss of innocent lives,” Muhammad added.
The Kaduna abduction has renewed calls for stronger cooperation between communities, transport workers and security agencies.
Police said continued public cooperation would help improve early responses to kidnapping and other crimes.
