Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued 10-year-old Maryam and 8-year-old Nana Asma’u, daughters of a Zamfara lawmaker, Hon. Aminu Ardo, after 17 months.
The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Isuku Victor, confirmed that the successful rescue was made possible through collaborative efforts, with coordination from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He said the children were handed over to their father at the Force Headquarters in Abuja today.
In November 2022, armed bandits raided the home of the Ardo family in Jangebe village, Zamfara State, abducting the lawmaker’s wife, Hauwa’u, and their four young children.
While Hauwa’u managed to escape later with two of the children, Maryam and Nana Asma’u remained in captivity.
CSP Victor said: “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 Honourable 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.”
Speaking further, the police said: “Today’s briefing on the successful rescue operation is a direct result of 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 Egbetokun, 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.”
