The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have recorded a series of operational successes across several states, including the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of suspected criminals, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the disruption of bandit and robbery activities.
In Ogun State, police operatives rescued a kidnapped victim, Usman Umar, unharmed after a search of surrounding forests. The team later raided the suspected kidnappers’ hideout, killing two suspects during a gun battle, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries. Two AK-47 rifles, 25 rounds of ammunition and two mobile phones were recovered.
In Sokoto State, security personnel foiled an attempted bandit attack on Maikujera Village. Three suspected bandits were killed during an exchange of gunfire, while others fled with injuries. An AK-47 rifle and 22 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
In Kano State, police rescued Alhaji Yusif Nadabo after suspected bandits abandoned him while fleeing from pursuing security operatives. However, three other victims who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack later died while receiving medical attention.
In Abia State, police recovered a locally made pistol, 42 rounds of ammunition, four empty magazines, military camouflage and substances suspected to be Indian hemp from a forest in Ukwa West Local Government Area after suspected armed criminals fled on sighting the operatives.
In Lagos, three suspected members of an armed robbery and carjacking syndicate were arrested. Police recovered three locally made firearms and eight rounds of ammunition, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the gang.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, police engaged suspected cattle rustlers in a gun battle following an attack on cattle rearers in Tafoki Village. Five rustled cows were recovered, while injured victims were taken to Funtua General Hospital for treatment.
In Taraba State, police rescued 55-year-old Alidoo Cecilia Ityo and her young granddaughter after kidnappers abandoned them. A red Toyota Corolla allegedly used by the criminals was also recovered.
In Oyo State, four suspected kidnappers were arrested following the abduction of nine-year-old Shittu Ridwan. Four expended cartridges were recovered as security operatives continued efforts to locate the boy and apprehend other suspects.
Also in Ogun, police arrested Biola Adeokola over the alleged killing of Adeyemi Adegoke at Arigbajo. Detectives are continuing efforts to arrest other suspects said to be at large.
In Delta State, police arrested a 33-year-old man, Ossai Price, along Mariam Babangida Road in Asaba. He was allegedly found wearing a Special Forces uniform and carrying a locally fabricated pump-action firearm resembling an AK-47. Four live cartridges were recovered.
In Plateau State, police and other security personnel rescued Pastor Dipat Gabriel Joseph, who had been kidnapped in Bokkos. The victim was reportedly rescued unhurt, while efforts are underway to arrest the perpetrators.
In Akwa Ibom State, two suspected drug dealers, Moses Dominic Okon and Kufre Essien Okon, were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Uyo. Police also recovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
In Kaduna State, security operatives responding to attacks allegedly linked to armed bandits recovered a pump-action rifle, two cartridges and a motorcycle after the suspects fled into the bush.
Back in Oyo State, police arrested 27-year-old Ali Betau along the Igbope-Igbeti Road. Four ATM cards were recovered from him, while phone records allegedly linked him to a wanted kidnap suspect. A kidnapping victim also reportedly identified him as one of the participants in her abduction.
In Enugu State, joint security teams launched a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of three persons in Amaja Community. Three expended 7.62x39mm ammunition shells were recovered as the operation continues.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the various operations underscore the police commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing criminal elements to justice.