The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across several states of the federation within the last 24 hours, leading to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug dealers and cattle rustlers, as well as the rescue of kidnap victims and recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen property and illicit drugs.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, ANIPR, disclosed the achievements in a statement, highlighting the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to intelligence-led policing and the protection of lives and property across the country.
In Adamawa State, police operatives, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), raided a kidnappers’ hideout at Ba’a Usman Forest in Fufore Local Government Area based on actionable intelligence. Two suspected kidnappers, Muhammadu Ibrahim, 35, and Isah Jahogi, 25, were arrested, while a locally made pistol was recovered. The suspects are believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising communities in Fufore and Jada Local Government Areas.
In Akwa Ibom State, police operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene, arresting three suspected drug dealers and recovering large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
In Benue State, police arrested 19-year-old Mohammed Bilyaminu over alleged cattle rustling. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in cattle rustling activities and the killing of one Benjamin Paul, while efforts are underway to arrest other members of the gang.
Delta State recorded multiple operational breakthroughs. Police arrested a robbery suspect, Jude Okonji, 30, and recovered a stolen motorcycle while preventing an attempted mob attack on the suspect. Operatives also arrested Benjamin Omoniovo, 32, over allegations of abduction, rape and fraud after he was positively identified by five complainants. In another operation, a suspected cultist, Oghenebuba Mamatime, 28, was arrested with three locally made pistols and a locally made single-barrel gun.
In Ebonyi State, police intercepted armed suspects allegedly attempting to block a road at Umuebe Roundabout in Ngbo. One suspect, Sunday John Obi, 38, was arrested while a pump-action gun and two live cartridges were recovered. One accomplice escaped and is being pursued.
In Edo State, intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Nosa Ehimwenma, who allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity. Police recovered a locally made pistol and two live cartridges during the operation, while efforts continue to arrest other members of the group.
In Kogi State, a joint security team foiled a kidnapping operation along the Kabba-Ayere Road. Bush-combing operations and the deployment of tear gas forced the kidnappers to abandon six victims, who were rescued unharmed. Two vehicles were also recovered, while operations continue to rescue other abducted passengers.
In Lagos State, police arrested a suspected cultist, Michael Abina, 31, during a targeted operation. Eight live cartridges and ten sachets of tramadol were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices.
In Nasarawa State, police arrested a suspected kidnapper, Halilu Alhaji Shehu, following intelligence gathering. The victim positively identified him as one of the abductors, and investigations have been intensified to arrest other members of the gang.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, sustained bush-combing operations by police operatives led to the rescue of kidnapped victim, Engineer Sola Boyeji. Another victim’s vehicle was also recovered, while rescue efforts and investigations remain ongoing.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violent crime through intelligence-led policing and strategic collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders. The Force urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that would aid ongoing efforts to rid communities of criminal elements.
