Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway in Katsina State, rescuing ten individuals, including two drivers and eight passengers.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the officers acted swiftly on credible intelligence, engaging the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gunfight that forced the criminals to retreat with gunshot wounds.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing internal security through strategic operations,” Adejobi said. “This recent success is part of our broader efforts to proactively combat crime and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.”
He noted that the operation took place on April 19, 2025, at approximately 9:35 p.m. Officers from the Faskari Division responded promptly, preventing the abduction and safely reuniting the victims with their families.
In a related operation in Taraba State, police operatives from the State Intelligence Department, in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested a notorious suspect, Umar Ahmad, on April 18, 2025, during a checkpoint stop in Jalingo. Ahmad had reportedly been on the police watchlist for several months.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to Mayo Faran Village, situated on the border between Taraba and Adamawa states,” Adejobi revealed. “A subsequent search resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 39 rounds of live ammunition. Investigations also confirmed that one of the weapons had previously been stolen from a police unit ambushed in 2023.”
Meanwhile, in Anambra State, a patrol team from the Fegge Divisional Headquarters uncovered a major arms cache hidden inside a rice bag in a parked shuttle bus on Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha.
“The officers found five pump-action rifles, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs concealed in the vehicle,” Adejobi stated.
Further arrests followed the discovery, with the police apprehending a suspect, Israel Akachukwu, 25, at his residence in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area. A search of Akachukwu’s home led to the recovery of two additional pump-action guns, live cartridges, and assorted weapons.
“The suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is assisting the police in apprehending other gang members,” Adejobi added.
Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised their professionalism and swift action.
He encouraged members of the public to maintain their collaboration with the police by providing timely and useful information.
“These achievements highlight the importance of strong community-police partnerships in creating a safer Nigeria for everyone,” the IGP said.
Investigations into the intercepted arms and the smuggling network are ongoing, with forensic analysis underway to identify further culprits.
