The Nigeria Police Force has rescued five kidnapped victims, neutralised five suspected kidnappers, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in recent operations across Kebbi and Abia states.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the successes were the result of coordinated security operations involving police operatives, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups.
In Kebbi State, police operatives rescued three kidnap victims — Muhammad Nasamu Namata (25), Gide Namata (20), and Hamidu Alhaji Namani (35) — who had been abducted from Sangara Village, Shanga Local Government Area, on July 27. The victims were freed unhurt after operatives tracked the abductors to Shanga Hills and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the kidnappers to flee with gunshot wounds.
In a separate incident in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, two more victims — Tukur Bello (26) and Isyaka Abubakar (25) — were rescued during a routine patrol on August 15. The duo had been kidnapped on August 9 while grazing cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State, and have since been reunited with their families.
In Abia State, police operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West Local Government Area. The suspects, who had been terrorising residents and commuters near Umuozo Village and Uratta Road, opened fire on the operatives, prompting a gun duel. Five members of the gang were fatally shot during the exchange.
Items recovered from the hideout included six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five mobile phones, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, a charm, and one double-barrelled long gun.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved for their courage and professionalism. He reassured Nigerians of the Force’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“I urge you to sustain the momentum and intensify the ongoing onslaught against criminal elements across the country,” the IGP said.
