Kidnapped police officer reunites with family after escaping bandits

In a story of courage and survival, ASP Steven Gabriel, a police officer abducted by armed bandits in Niger State, has made a miraculous escape from captivity and has been reunited with his family in Kaduna.

Authorities confirmed the officer’s safe return on Sunday, bringing a sense of relief after nearly a month in captivity. Gabriel, who is attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annex in Kaduna, was kidnapped on May 28 while carrying out an investigative assignment in Sarkin-Pawa, located in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State—an area notorious for bandit activity.

According to fresh details, ASP Gabriel made his daring escape in the early hours of June 20, sneaking away from his captors under the cover of darkness. Braving the treacherous terrain and the threat of recapture, he managed to navigate his way to safety before reuniting with his family.

Security officials have praised his bravery, describing his survival as a “remarkable demonstration of mental strength and resilience.” Investigations are ongoing to track down the criminals responsible for his abduction.