The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant operational successes across 10 states in the last 24 hours, with the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug dealers and cattle rustlers, as well as the rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of firearms, ammunition and stolen property.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the operations were driven by credible intelligence and coordinated security efforts aimed at combating violent crimes across the country.
In Adamawa State, police operatives working with the Civilian Joint Task Force raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Ba’a Usman Forest, Fufore Local Government Area, arresting two suspected kidnappers, Muhammadu Ibrahim, 35, and Isah Jahogi, 25. A locally made pistol was recovered, while investigations linked the suspects to a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Fufore and Jada LGAs.
In Akwa Ibom, police raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene, arresting three suspected drug dealers and recovering large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing suspects.
Benue State Police Command also arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Mohammed Bilyaminu, who allegedly confessed to cattle rustling and the killing of one Benjamin Paul. Investigations are continuing to apprehend other members of the gang.
Delta State recorded multiple breakthroughs, including the arrest of an armed robbery suspect and recovery of a stolen motorcycle. Police also arrested a suspected abductor, rapist and fraudster identified as Benjamin Omoniovo, who was reportedly identified by five complainants. In another operation, a suspected cultist was apprehended with three locally made pistols and a single-barrel gun.
In Ebonyi State, police intercepted armed suspects allegedly blocking a road at Umuebe Roundabout in Ngbo, arresting one suspect and recovering a pump-action gun with two live cartridges, while his accomplice escaped.
Similarly, Edo State Police Command arrested a suspected cultist, Nosa Ehimwenma, recovering a locally made pistol and two live cartridges. The suspect reportedly confessed to belonging to the Black Axe Confraternity and provided useful intelligence to investigators.
A swift joint security response in Kogi State foiled a kidnap attempt along the Kabba-Ayere Road, leading to the rescue of six kidnapped victims and the recovery of two vehicles after security operatives forced the abductors to flee during bush-combing operations.
In Lagos State, police arrested a suspected cultist, Michael Abina, recovering eight live cartridges and 10 sachets of tramadol, while efforts continue to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.
The Nasarawa State Police Command also arrested a suspected kidnapper, Halilu Alhaji Shehu, who was positively identified by a victim as one of his abductors.
Meanwhile, in Ogun State, police successfully rescued kidnapped victim, Engr. Sola Boyeji, during a bush-combing operation and recovered another victim’s vehicle. Rescue efforts are ongoing to secure the release of other victims.
The Force Headquarters said all suspects are undergoing investigation at the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs), while operations continue to arrest fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks across the country.
