The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational breakthroughs across seven states, rescuing five kidnapped victims, arresting at least 44 suspects and recovering firearms, ammunition, drugs and other criminal exhibits.
The operations were carried out in Delta, Benue, Abia, Sokoto, Anambra, Kano and Oyo states as police intensified efforts against kidnapping, banditry, cultism, armed robbery and other forms of violent crime.
In Delta State, police operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout around Uduere Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area following intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers.
The suspects reportedly exchanged gunfire with the police before escaping with possible gunshot injuries. An AK-47 rifle, two magazines containing 55 rounds of ammunition, a pump-action firearm, seven cartridges, a jackknife, cutlass, mobile phone and suspected illicit drugs were recovered.
The Delta Command also rescued a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly assaulted and held captive in Usiefrun Community. Five suspects were arrested in separate operations connected to kidnapping, cultism and murder.
In Benue State, tactical police teams and other security personnel pursued suspected bandits into a forest, leading to a gun battle. Four kidnapped victims were subsequently rescued unharmed, while the commercial vehicle allegedly used by the criminals was recovered.
Meanwhile, police in Abia State arrested three suspected kidnappers in Osisioma Local Government Area and rescued an 18-year-old victim identified as Ifeoma Obinna. Two daggers and the victim’s mobile phone were also recovered.
In Sokoto State, two suspects accused of acting as informants and financiers for bandits were arrested. Police alleged that the suspects supplied petroleum products to armed groups. Two motorcycles and 10 jerrycans filled with petroleum products were recovered, while investigations continue into their alleged links with other members of the group.
Nine suspected cult members were arrested in Okpoko, Anambra State. Police recovered a locally fabricated firearm, live ammunition, charms, a machete, beret and sword during the operation.
In Kano State, 13 suspects were arrested over alleged criminal activities around Hotoro Mahautar Gabas. Items recovered from their hideouts included four cutlasses, five axes, a sword, four knives, a hammer, hacksaws, sticks, sharp iron rods and charms.
Police in Kano also intervened to prevent a possible confrontation between supporters of two political candidates during a campaign programme. One person was arrested after three gunshots were reportedly fired from a vehicle.
In Oyo State, three suspects, including a Customs officer, were arrested after police intercepted a Lexus GX 470 allegedly displaying a false registration number. Officers recovered Canadian Loud, Codeine, Local Loud, Indian hemp and other suspected illicit substances.
Another operation in the state led to the arrest of 25-year-old Abiodun Musibau Olalekan, who was allegedly linked to an armed robbery incident. A stolen mobile phone and Bajaj motorcycle were recovered, while police continued efforts to locate his fleeing accomplice.
In a separate Delta operation, police uncovered an alleged staged kidnapping involving 16-year-old Ifunanya Chiwetalu. The teenager was reportedly taken as part of a plan to demand money from her family.
She was rescued in Ejeme-Unor Community, while one suspect was arrested. Police recovered four live cartridges, two battle axes, a walkie-talkie, a knife, two mobile phones and a joker face mask.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said investigations into the various cases were ongoing at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.
