25 Kidnapped Travelers Rescued and Reunited with Families

Twenty-five people kidnapped in Nigeria are back with their families tonight after security forces tracked them down and brought them home safely.

The group, including 19 males and 6 females, was traveling to a religious celebration on December 21 when criminals pretending to be security officers set up a fake roadblock. The kidnappers stopped their tricycles on Zak-Sabon Layi Road in Plateau State, claiming to conduct routine checks before taking them to an unknown location.

Five days later, the State Security Service worked with the Plateau State Government to secure their release. Secretary to the State Government Samuel Jatau confirmed all victims were freed without physical harm on Friday.

The travelers were on their way to a Maulud celebration when the abduction happened around 7 p.m. The criminals disguised themselves convincingly enough that the victims initially believed they were legitimate vigilante operators conducting normal security procedures.

The Bright Side

This rescue shows what's possible when security agencies coordinate effectively and act quickly. The government isn't stopping at the rescue either. Officials announced they will provide psychological support to help the victims and their families recover from the trauma of captivity.

The successful operation adds to recent security wins in the region. Just days earlier on January 5, troops rescued a retired army officer from his home without any ransom payment. Another operation on New Year's Day prevented an attack on local communities.

Local officials are using lessons from these cases to improve security measures. The state government is working with security agencies to identify and shut down fake roadblocks before they can trap more travelers.

Families who spent days wondering if they'd ever see their loved ones again now have them home safe, a reminder that coordinated action and persistence can overcome even frightening situations.