Zamfara State, Nigeria – April 18, 2025
On April 16, 2025, Zamfara State police and Community Protection Guards (CPG) swiftly rescued six kidnap victims during a patrol along Anka-Gummi Road.
Deputy Superintendent Yazid Abubakar, the Command’s spokesperson, confirmed the breakthrough on Friday, underscoring its significance in advancing statewide security efforts.
At approximately 1:45 PM, the joint security team noticed an abandoned ash-colored Peugeot 206 roadside, triggering suspicions of criminal activity.
Promptly responding, officers initiated a search operation that led to the victims’ recovery within hours.
The rescued individuals—Hon. Bakiru Masama, Dan Masama, Aminu Bukkuyum, Ahmad Masama, Umar Jema, and Shehu Mulluwa—were unharmed and swiftly reunited with their families.
Emphasizing the operation’s urgency, Abubakar praised the operatives’ decisive actions, which prevented further harm to the captives.
Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maikaba, lauded the collaboration between police and CPG, stating, “Our Command remains unwavering in dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace.”
He further urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly, reinforcing community-driven vigilance as critical to crime prevention.
This success reflects broader efforts to curb kidnappings plaguing Zamfara, where coordinated security strategies have intensified since early 2025. Authorities attribute progress to intelligence-sharing, rapid-response protocols, and public cooperation. Meanwhile, victims’ families expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, which averted prolonged trauma.
Looking ahead, Maikaba reaffirmed commitments to sustained patrols and interagency partnerships, aiming to disrupt criminal hideouts and rescue additional hostages. The operation’s efficiency—from detection to resolution—highlights improved tactical readiness, a priority amid rising regional insecurity.
In conclusion, the rescue exemplifies how proactive policing and community engagement can mitigate crises. As Zamfara strengthens its security framework, residents remain hopeful for lasting stability, while officials stress that public alertness remains indispensable to safeguarding lives and property.