In a dramatic turn of events, a police officer previously listed as missing and four local villagers have regained their freedom after escaping from a kidnappers’ den in Zamfara State, security officials confirmed on Monday.
The escapees include Inspector Aliyu Ibrahim, whose disappearance had been a focus of search operations, and four residents abducted from a community within the state’s restive region. According to exclusive details obtained by Zagazola Makama, the report says that captives managed to flee their holding location under circumstances not yet fully disclosed and trekked to safety, arriving at Farin Kasa village.
According to a report, stated that Inspector Ibrahim is currently receiving urgent medical attention at a military facility within the village. “The victims successfully fled the kidnappers’ camp. Inspector Aliyu Ibrahim is in stable condition and is being assessed and treated for the physical toll of his ordeal,” the source confirmed.
In a swift response to the development, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police has authorized an urgent high-security medical evacuation. The source revealed that an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) has been dispatched from the state capital, Gusau, to Farin Kasa. Its mission is to securely transport Inspector Ibrahim to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) for advanced and comprehensive medical treatment, underscoring the severity of the situation and the priority placed on his recovery.
“The Commissioner has directed the immediate deployment of an APC to ensure his safe passage to the FMC. The inspector’s health is the immediate priority,” the source added.
While this escape marks a significant victory, the security crisis in the region remains acute. The same source indicated that not all abducted villagers from the initial incident are accounted for. Security agencies have consequently intensified search and rescue operations aimed at locating the remaining captives. A parallel operation is underway to recover an unspecified number of firearms seized by the kidnappers during the abduction.
“This escape has provided critical momentum. Operations to track these criminals are actively ongoing across the affected areas. The broader mission to dismantle these networks and restore security in Zamfara continues unabated,” the security official stated.
Zamfara State has been a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping for several years, with armed groups frequently targeting villages, highways, and farms. This incident highlights both the persistent danger to citizens and security personnel, and the determined efforts and risks taken by those caught in the conflict to regain their freedom.
