By Onwubuke Melvin
The Nigeria Police Force said it ramped up efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and violent crimes, resulting in the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims and the recovery of N4.8 million in ransom payments.
According to a statement from Force spokesperson on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the operations carried out nationwide in the first quarter of 2025 significantly weakened criminal networks and enhanced security measures.
Adejobi stated that police operatives from the Taraba State Command, working with other security agencies, successfully rescued 20 kidnapped victims along the Takum/Mararaba road on March 29, 2025.
The operation, which followed a kidnapping incident in Muji Town, led to a fierce gun battle between security forces and the kidnappers.
Adejobi noted that the criminals were forced to flee, leaving the victims and their vehicles behind at the scene. He added that two of the rescued individuals, who suffered injuries, are currently receiving medical treatment.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country, employing decisive nationwide operations to dismantle criminal networks and aggressively tackle kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation.
“In a coordinated series of raids throughout the first quarter of 2025, the Force has delivered crippling blows to organised crime, rescuing victims, apprehending key suspects, and seizing a cache of weapons and illicit funds, marking a significant escalation in the fight against criminal elements threatening the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
“Most recent of these operations were in Taraba State, where police operatives attached to the state command spearheaded one such successful operation on March 29, 2025, along the Takum/Mararaba Road.
“The operatives, in conjunction with other security agencies, swiftly responded to a kidnapping in progress at Muji Town. A fierce gun battle ensued, leading to the rescue of 20 kidnapped victims, alongside all the vehicles abandoned at the scene. Two of the victims who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical care.”
Meanwhile, Adejobi reported that a thorough investigation into the March 8, 2025, abduction of Muhammad Yushau in Kano State led to the arrest of several key suspects.
He said acting on technical intelligence, operatives from the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested Tukur Lawal, also known as Maikudi, along with accomplices Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu, and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim on March 18 and 19.
“In Kano State, a meticulous investigation was launched on March 8, 2025, following the kidnapping of Dr. Muhammad Bello Yushau culminating in a series of arrests.
“On March 18 and 19, a technical analysis led police operatives from the state Anti-Kidnapping Squad to apprehend Tukur Lawal, AKA Maikudi, along with accomplices, Ado Usman, Sanusi Surajo, Habiba Shuaibu, and Ummulkhairi Ibrahim. In their possession, authorities recovered a locally made rifle and N4,840,000 in cash believed to be ransom money. The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.”
In a separate intelligence-led operation, Adejobi revealed that operatives from the Special Tactical Squad arrested Kafinta Musa, a notorious criminal from Taraba State, for his involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal firearms possession.
Adejobi said, “Furthermore, in a separate operation, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad acting on credible intelligence arrested one Kafinta Musa ‘m’ of Taraba State in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms. An AK49 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of live ammunition was seized during the arrest. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend remaining members of his criminal syndicate.”
Commending the officers for their bravery and professionalism, Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety.
