In a decisive move against criminal activities, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 13 suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of weapons during multiple operations across the country.
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According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) countered an ambush and apprehended eight kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States, on March 11, 2025. The team was en route to Edo State on a special assignment when armed criminals attacked. Demonstrating remarkable tactical expertise, the operatives overpowered the assailants, arresting eight suspects.
The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna, were found in possession of significant weaponry.
Recovered from the suspects were one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new 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, 2025, the IRT, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two notorious suspects Yakubu Musa (30) and Usman Musa (25) both from Kaduna State. The duo was linked to a series of kidnappings and cattle rustling incidents in the Soba and Ikara regions. During the arrest, operatives recovered three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition.
Additionally, on January 21, 2025, three other suspects Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26) were apprehended for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping. The suspects confessed to participating in multiple kidnapping incidents across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. Recovered items included one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang.
These successful operations underline the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their bravery and dedication, reaffirming the Force’s relentless pursuit of justice and safety across the nation.
The IGP further called on citizens to collaborate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and accurate information, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in the fight against crime. He assured the public that the Police would continue to take decisive action against criminal elements, making it clear that there will be no safe haven for criminals in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect citizens, uphold the rule of law, and ensure national security.