The Nigeria Police Force has announced the rescue of the two daughters of Aminu Ardo, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, who were abducted in November 2022.

Announcing the rescue of the victims in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated that the rescue was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various security agencies, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to the police, the children were initially abducted with their mother and other siblings, but the mother managed to escape during the rainy season of 2023 with two of her children, leaving behind the other two, Maryam and Nana Asmau.

Ten-year-old Maryam and her eight-year-old sister Nana Asma’u, were handed over to their father at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

The IGP statement further read: “In November 2022, the quiet village of Jangebe in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was shattered by an act of violence that would forever change the lives of one family. Armed bandits, riding over 60 motorcycles, invaded the residence of Honorable Aminu Ardo, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly. In a brutal display of terror, they abducted his wife, Hauwa’u, and their four young children: Maryam, Nana Asma’u, Ummul Khairi, and Abdulrazaq. The abductees were taken to an unknown forest in Katsina State, enduring a harrowing journey by foot and motorcycle; throughout their captivity, these children were sustained on meagre rations of maize and salt, drinking water from a nearby stream.

“While in captivity, Hauwa’u gave birth under extremely harsh conditions, but tragically, the newborn did not survive. Despite the unbearable circumstances, Hauwa’u’s strength and resolve remained unbroken. One night, during the rainy season of 2023, she managed to unchain herself and escape with two of her children, Ummul Khairi and Abdulrazaq. However, Maryam and Nana Asma’u were left behind, still in the grip of their captors.

“The crime of kidnapping, especially when it involves innocent children, strikes at the very heart of our humanity and society. It is a gross violation of human rights and a traumatic experience for the victims and their families.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, there has been a robust focus on security reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and responsiveness of the country’s security architecture. Today’s briefing on the successful rescue operation is a direct result of these strategic initiatives stemming from leveraging advanced intelligence from our Force Intelligence Department and operational tactics from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Katsina Command as well as tactical support from the Nigerian Airforce 215 FOB, Funtua, which led to locating and safe rescue of these minors.

“While we celebrate this successful rescue, we remain acutely aware of the ongoing challenges in our fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes. Let me emphasize that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is more determined than ever, to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes head-on.

“Our zeal is evident in our relentless pursuit of criminals, our strategic deployment of resources, and our commitment to adopting the latest technologies and intelligence-gathering methods. We are resolute in our quest to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that justice is served leveraging on the dedication of our officers and intelligence sharing and synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies as well as timely support from the community.

“To the families affected by these crimes, we express our deepest sympathies and assurances that your pain is our pain. Your resilience in the face of such adversity inspires us to intensify our efforts. We stand with you, and we will continue to fight tirelessly to ensure that no child, no mother, no father, no family has to endure such horrors again.

“We wish to assure the citizenry that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, in full collaboration with other law enforcement and security agencies, will not relent in its efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for all. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every citizen, especially our children, can live without violence, and the fear of being victims of such crimes.

“We also wish to, most importantly, acknowledge and appreciate the leadership and coordinating role of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), for its strategic support that led to the success of this operation amongst many others.

“Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace and security to our beloved country.

“Thank you, and may God bless the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”