... Recover Cache of Arms and Ammunition
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded fresh gains in the fight against crime with the rescue of five kidnapped victims and the neutralization of five suspected kidnappers during separate operations in Kebbi and Abia States, Force PRO, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi said in a press statement at the early hour of Tuesday.
He said the operations, carried out by police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies and vigilantes, also led to the recovery of a cache of arms, ammunition, and other items belonging to the criminal gangs.
In Kebbi State, three men — Muhammad Nasamu Namata (25), Gide Namata (20), and Hamidu Alhaji Namani (35) — who were abducted on July 27, 2025, at Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area, were rescued after a fierce gun duel at Shanga Hills. The kidnappers were forced to abandon their captives and fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.
In a related operation on August 15, operatives on patrol in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area encountered armed bandits around Dankade Village in Ribah District. The security team successfully freed two young men, Tukur Bello (26) and Isyaka Abubakar (25), who had been abducted while grazing their cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State, on August 9. Both victims have since been reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, in Abia State, intelligence-led operations led officers to a kidnappers’ den at Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West Local Government Area. A heavy gun battle ensued, leaving five members of the notorious gang neutralized. Items recovered from the hideout included six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five mobile phones, cutlasses, operational jackets, an axe, boots, a charm, and a double-barreled long gun.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the courage and professionalism of the operatives, urging them to sustain momentum in the ongoing onslaught against criminals nationwide. He assured Nigerians that the Force remains resolute in combating all forms of crime and maintaining internal security.