The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes in Kaduna State, rescued 17 kidnapped victims, recovered 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles, and neutralized three suspected armed robbers in a series of coordinated operations on April 9, 2025.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday, noted that the operations aligned with the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to combat violent crimes and enhance public safety nationwide.
According to Adejobi, the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), successfully rescued 17 victims abducted on March 3, 2025, from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.
The victims comprised children and adults were rescued through a non-kinetic approach and intelligence-led operations. They included Williams Ubadia (15), Samuel Ezekiel (15), Duza Ezekiel (13), Ishaku Ishaya (12), Sunday Ezekiel (8), Jessy Friday (6), Rebecca Ezekiel (32), Jummai Ishaya (32), Terriza Friday (30), Alice Ezekiel (35), Victoria Ishaya (32), Blessing Ezekiel (20), Gloria Ubadia (13), Gift Ubadia (10), Charity Ezekiel (9), Alheri Ishaya (5), and Favour Ezekiel (1).
All rescued individuals were taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical evaluation and were certified to be in stable and sound health.
In a separate operation the same day, police operatives intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at the Kawo Central Motor Park, where 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles were discovered hidden within the vehicle. The suspect, 27-year-old Jamilu Suleiman of Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested.
During interrogation, Suleiman confessed he was directed by a union member to deliver the firearms to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.
Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the arms trafficking syndicate.
Earlier that morning, at about 5:00 am, a distress call from a Good Samaritan reported an armed robbery in progress at Doggi Farm along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. Responding swiftly, a patrol team from Tafa Division engaged a 30-man robbery gang in a fierce gun battle. Two robbers were neutralized, while others fled into nearby hills. Two injured suspects were apprehended and taken to the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon Wuse. One later died, while the surviving suspect is assisting police with further investigation.
ACP Adejobi reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustaining intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and proactive strategies to curb insecurity across the country.
