The government of the People’s Republic of China has applauded Nigeria for the coordinated rescue of four of its citizens who were abducted in Kwara State.
The successful operation, which took place over the weekend, was jointly executed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Police.
Speaking at the formal handover ceremony in Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai represented by Consul Wang Jun praised the Nigerian security agencies for what he described as a “prompt and intelligence-driven intervention” that ensured the safe return of the victims.
According to reports, the rescued individuals identified as Dansu Zhou, Zhou Hai, Zhou Jia Jun, and Fan Xiu Guo were ambushed by armed bandits while travelling to a mining site in Saminaka village, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. They were held captive for several days before the joint operation led to their release.
The Chinese envoy commended the DSS for the professional medical attention provided to the victims at its Abuja medical facility, describing the gesture as “remarkable and humane.”
“Following their rescue, DSS operatives immediately took our citizens to their facility for medical evaluation, where they were examined by top professionals before being handed over to the Chinese Embassy,” Wang Jun said.
He also expressed surprise at the level of sophistication of the DSS medical facility, adding that it reflected Nigeria’s growing capacity to respond to complex security challenges.
Security sources confirmed that the rescue was part of ongoing efforts by the DSS and ONSA to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across several states.
In recent months, the DSS has intensified operations targeting criminal syndicates, leading to multiple arrests and seizure of dangerous weapons. One of its latest breakthroughs was a major operation in Asaba, Delta State, where operatives intercepted seven General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and other arms believed to be in transit to criminal hideouts.
Stakeholders have lauded the Service’s renewed momentum, describing it as a strong signal of the government’s resolve to restore peace and stability across the country.
The rescue of the Chinese nationals comes at a time when Nigeria’s security agencies are under pressure to curb rising cases of abduction and banditry in mining communities and rural areas.
