Taraba Police Rescue Seven Hostages in Daring Operation
Operatives of the Taraba State Police Command successfully stormed a kidnappers’ den in Zambana Forest, rescuing seven hostages after a fierce encounter with the criminals.
The rescue mission, led by the Mararraba Donga Division in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes, took place on January 30, 2025, following credible intelligence.
Police Statement on the Operation
SP Abdullahi Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer, described the operation in a statement on Monday:
“Acting on credible information, the DPO of Mararraba Donga mobilized a team for a rescue operation in Zambana Forest. The team encountered the kidnappers, who fled under intense gunfire, abandoning the victims. As a result, seven kidnapped individuals were rescued unharmed.”
Rescued Victims
- Lookman Adamu Abdullahi (27) – Jalingo LGA
- Abdulmalik Sani (24) – Jalingo LGA
- Salisu Musa (32) – Jalingo LGA
- Hussaini Musa (35) – Bissula Village, Kurmi LGA
- Yusuf Musa (21) – Bissula Village, Kurmi LGA
- Rimamshong Sunday (42) – Lissam, Ussa LGA
- Eze Ifeanyi (38) – Maihula, Bali LGA
Further Operations
On January 31, another joint operation, led by ASP Nuhu Barde, successfully forced kidnappers in a forest bordering Plateau State to abandon their captive, Lamido Sarkin Fulani. The victim was rescued unharmed and taken to Andami Primary Healthcare Centre for medical evaluation.
Commendation and Ongoing Efforts
Commending the operatives for their bravery, Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Ukachi P. Opara, praised the collaborative efforts of the police, hunters, and vigilantes.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating kidnappings and urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities.
Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
