In a series of decisive anti-crime and anti-kidnapping operations across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued ten kidnapped victims in Katsina State, arrested a notorious criminal in Taraba State, and recovered a stolen police rifle, alongside a cache of arms and ammunition in Anambra State.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, shared the developments on Sunday.
He emphasizing that, “These achievements highlight the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to proactively tackling crime and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.”
According to Adejobi, operatives from the Faskari Division of the Katsina State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, thwarted a kidnapping attempt on April 19, 2025, around 9:35 p.m. along the Funtua-Gusau highway.
In a fierce gun battle, the officers engaged the bandits, compelling them to retreat with gunshot wounds.
Ten victims, comprising two drivers and eight passengers, were successfully rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, in Taraba State, police operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department and local vigilante groups apprehended a wanted armed robber, Umar Ahmad, 40, at a roadblock in Jalingo on April 18, 2025, around 11:00 a.m.
During interrogation, Ahmad led authorities to Mayo Faran Village in Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, located on the Taraba-Adamawa border.
A thorough search of the area yielded two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 39 rounds of live ammunition.
Investigations confirmed that one of the rifles was stolen during a 2023 ambush in which kidnappers killed ASP Aminu Nuhu of the Taraba State Police Command.
The police’s momentum continued in Anambra State on April 17, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., when officers from the Fegge Divisional Headquarters intercepted an abandoned shuttle bus along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha.
Upon conducting a search, they discovered five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs cleverly concealed in a bag of rice.
The vehicle has since undergone forensic examination, with ongoing efforts to apprehend the suspects involved.
Later that same day, at around 1:27 p.m., the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Anambra State Command, acting on solid intelligence, arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu at his home on Ezeigwe Street, Nkpor, in the Idemili North LGA.
A raid on his residence led to the seizure of two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement to track down other gang members.
Commending the officers’ swift and professional response, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, stated, “These recent successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of our officers to combating crime across the nation.”
He further reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.
The Nigeria Police Force also appealed to the public for continued support, urging citizens to provide timely and actionable information that could help prevent criminal activities and enhance public safety.
