In a series of coordinated operations aimed at bolstering internal security, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested 13 suspected kidnappers and recovered 11 assorted rifles, 89 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers, and operational motorcycles.
The Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed these details in a statement on Monday.
On March 11, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), en route to Edo State for a special assignment, came under ambush at Oshara Ganden, a boundary between Kogi and Edo States.
Demonstrating exceptional tactical prowess, the officers overpowered the armed assailants and arrested eight suspects including Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar,Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, Jibril Haruna
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one Israeli pump action rifle with four cartridges, two pump action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single-barrel shotgun with two cartridges, and two operational motorcycles.
In a separate operation on January 27, IRT operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Yakubu Musa (30) and Usman Musa (25), both from Kaduna State. They were allegedly involved in a series of kidnappings and cattle rustling in the Soba and Ikara areas of Kaduna. Three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, further implicating the suspects in criminal activities.
Additionally, on January 21, three suspects—Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26)—were arrested for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping. According to the police, they confessed to multiple kidnapping operations in Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama within Kaduna and Niger States. The operatives recovered one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of their gang.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, lauded the officers for their bravery and urged the public to remain vigilant. He reiterated the Force’s determination to maintain law and order, warning that there would be no safe haven for criminals in the country.
“We are resolute in our mission to protect lives and property, uphold the rule of law, and bring criminal elements to justice. We urge citizens to provide timely and accurate information to aid our efforts,” the IGP said.
The Force assured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to proactive security measures and swift action against any threats to public safety.
