The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 75 people abducted by bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The victims, comprising men, women, and children, were travelling in commercial buses when they were attacked at Folwaya Village, near Birnin Gwari, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Police deploy crack team after NURTW tip-off
In a statement, the command's spokesman, Mansir Hassan, confirmed all victims were rescued unharmed. He said police received information about the incident from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Birnin Gwari branch.
Hassan stated: “The Kaduna State Police Command received credible information from the NURTW, Birnin Gwari Branch, that some Fulani men, women, and children travelling in commercial buses were abducted by unknown armed men wielding AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons at Folwaya Village, near Birnin Gwari.”
The abductors reportedly took the victims into a forest and concealed them inside a cave in a mountainous area. “Upon receipt of the information, a crack team from the Birnin Gwari Area Command was immediately deployed to the location,” the police spokesman added.
Abductors flee, victims rescued unharmed
Police said the abductors fled upon sighting the heavily armed security operatives, leaving the captives behind. “On sighting the well-armed police operatives, the abductors fled, abandoning their captives, who were successfully rescued unharmed,” Hassan stated.
The statement quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, as commending the NURTW branch for its role in providing what he described as “timely and vital information” that enabled the police to respond swiftly. The CP also praised the Area Commander, Birnin Gwari, and his men for their “swift and professional response” to the distress call.
CP urges vigilance, warns against self-help
Muhammad urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with information that could help prevent attacks and kidnappings in the state. He said, “Members of the public should remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the police.”
The commissioner further cautioned residents against resorting to self-help, warning that such actions could worsen the security situation and endanger innocent people. He said, “Residents are urged not to take the law into their own hands, as such actions could lead to the loss of innocent lives.”
