The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rescued ten kidnapped victims and recovered police arms previously carted away during an ambush, in recent coordinated operations across the country.
Several notorious criminal suspects were also arrested during the operation.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations, which took place in Katsina, Taraba, and Anambra States, underscore the NPF’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime fighting.
“On April 19, 2025, operatives of the Faskari Division, Katsina State Police Command, acting on credible information, intercepted bandits attempting a kidnap along the Funtua-Gusau highway. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the criminals to flee with gunshot wounds. Ten victims — two drivers and eight passengers — were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
“In Taraba State, on April 18, 2025, officers attached to the State Intelligence Department, in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested Umar Ahmad, a notorious criminal, at a roadblock in Jalingo. Following his confession, a search operation at Mayo Faran Village, Mayo Belwa LGA — a border area between Taraba and Adamawa States — led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition. Notably, one of the recovered rifles had been stolen from the Taraba State Police Command during a 2023 ambush that claimed the life of ASP Aminu Nuhu.
“Meanwhile, in Anambra State, on April 17, 2025, police officers from Fegge Divisional Headquarters, while patrolling Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha, intercepted a suspicious shuttle bus. A search revealed five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs hidden inside a bag of rice. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
“On the same day, officers of the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anambra State Command, acting on intelligence, arrested Israel Akachukwu, 25, at his residence in Nkpor, Idemili North LGA. A search uncovered two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, an axe, and a dagger. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is assisting police investigations to apprehend other gang members.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the officers for their professionalism and swift action, emphasizing the Force’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and property. He urged the public to continue supporting the police with timely information, vital for sustaining security nationwide.
“These recent successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the steadfast commitment of NPF personnel in combating crime across Nigeria,” the statement read.
