The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 75 persons abducted by bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, comprising men, women and children, were reportedly travelling in commercial buses when they were attacked and abducted at Folwaya Village, near Birnin Gwari, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The Command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, disclosed in a statement that the rescue operation followed timely information received from the Birnin Gwari branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

According to him, the armed kidnappers, who were reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons, took the victims into a forest and concealed them inside a cave in a mountainous area.

Hassan said operatives from the Birnin Gwari Area Command were immediately deployed to the location following the report.

He explained that the abductors fled into the forest after sighting the heavily armed security operatives, abandoning the captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the NURTW for providing the timely intelligence that facilitated the operation.

He also praised the Birnin Gwari Area Commander and his personnel for their swift and professional response.

The Commissioner, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, warning against taking the law into their own hands, as such actions could endanger innocent lives.

The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested 28 suspects and recovered assorted illicit substances in Rimin Gado and Doka communities of the State.

This is contained in a statement  by the Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Muhuyi Malawi and issued by the Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad on Sunday in Kano.

Magaji, who led the operation, said it was aimed to tackle drug-related criminality and protect communities from the effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“On Aug. 7, the task force raided five drug joints in Rimin Gado and Doka in Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

The targeted operation was aimed to demonstrate the task force’s impartial enforcement mandate and to send a clear message that no one is above the law.

“We are treating every community equally and enforcing the law without bias.

“Our guiding principle is Kano First and we are determined to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and drug-free state inline with the vision of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf,” he said.

Magaji said the task force recovered various assorted illicit substances during the raids.

He said  that he commenced the operations from his hometown Rimin Gado saying it was deliberate and symbolic.

“Sanitising my own community is the first step to a wider campaign,” he added.

He said that the campaign would be extended beyond Kano Metropolis to all  44 Local Government Areas of the state.

The chairman noted that the operation combined kinetic interventions to disrupt criminal activities with coordinated follow-up.

He said the task force would also adopt a balanced approach that would combine enforcement with prevention and recovery.

“While kinetic measures continue to dismantle illicit drug networks, non-kinetic efforts are being intensified through engagement with community leaders, regulatory bodies, health services and educational partners to raises awareness.

“We’ll also strengthen supply‑chain controls and expand rehabilitative support to those affected by substance use” Magaji said.

He stressed that lawful and legitimate businesses were not the target of the operations.

“Our aim is to protect honest traders and create an environment in which businesses and communities can thrive free from the effects of drug trafficking and abuse” he said.

Magaji said investigations were ongoing and suspects found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He urged members of the public to support the ongoing operations by reporting suspicious activities and provide relevant information on drug trafficking and abuse.

The Chairman reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustain its operations, uphold professional standards and safeguard the health and security of residents across the state.