The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has restated the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes across the country through enhanced, technology-driven, and intelligence-led policing strategies.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, this assurance follows the successful execution of coordinated operations in Enugu and Ogun States, which resulted in the rescue of four kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of three armed suspects, and the recovery of ransom money, firearms, and other exhibits.
In Enugu State, on July 16, police operatives—working in synergy with local security groups—responded swiftly to a distress call from Okpuje-Ani community in Nsukka LGA, following reports of suspected kidnappers in the area. One armed suspect was neutralised during an exchange of gunfire, while others fled with injuries. An AK-47 rifle loaded with live ammunition was recovered.
Later the same day, operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested Aliyu Adamu, 23, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. He confessed to participating in multiple abductions and revealed he was invited from Awka, Anambra State to carry out the criminal operations.
In another incident, police arrested two female suspects—Juliet Chukwu, 39, and Nancy Chukwu, 40—who conspired to kidnap their kinsman. The duo had demanded ₦50 million in ransom but were arrested while sharing ₦10 million. The male victim was safely rescued, and their operational Toyota Corolla vehicle along with the cash was recovered.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, police responded to a kidnapping incident involving three persons near the Ajebo axis under the Owode Egba Division on July 16. Acting on intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping team tracked the suspects to a location along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. In a confrontation at about 4:00 a.m., two armed suspects were neutralised, and all three kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed.
Recovered from the Ogun operation were:
- One AK-47 rifle
- 139 rounds of ammunition
- A magazine, cutlass, chain and padlock
- ₦1,235,000 suspected to be part of the ransom
- Several mobile phones used for negotiations
The IGP commended the officers involved for their professionalism and bravery, adding that the operations reflect the Police Force’s strategic shift toward proactive and intelligence-based policing.
He assured Nigerians that the Force remains fully committed to dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security architecture