The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the rescue of five kidnapped victims, arrests of suspected criminals, recovery of firearms and investigations into multiple murder and violent crime cases within the past 48 hours.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the incidents formed part of the latest state-by-state executive summary of police operational activities across the country.
In Benue State, police tactical operatives, supported by other security personnel and local vigilantes, rescued five passengers, including a four-year-old child, following an abduction along the Ankpechi–Omutela highway. The operatives engaged the abductors in a gun duel, forcing them to release the victims. One of the rescued victims, who sustained a gunshot injury, was evacuated for medical treatment.
In Imo State, police operatives and vigilantes stormed a forest where kidnappers were holding two victims hostage. The hoodlums engaged the security team in a gun battle, during which two kidnappers were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot injuries. The two kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed. However, a vigilante sustained a fatal gunshot injury and later died in hospital.
In Taraba State, two suspects were arrested following credible intelligence linking them to a kidnapping and murder case in Lau Local Government Area. Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed their alleged involvement in the abduction of two persons and the fatal shooting of two others at Jimlari Village.
In Kano State, police arrested a suspect following a shooting at a wedding ceremony in Tudun Yola Bajallabe and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the incident. Four victims were evacuated to hospital, but one was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The Force also reported a major development in Adamawa State, where a prime suspect was arrested following the killing of a female victim at a hotel in Girei Local Government Area. The suspect allegedly confessed to the crime, while the weapon reportedly used in the killing was recovered as an exhibit.
In FCT, three suspects were arrested following a scuffle involving a security guard and neighbours in Dawaki. The security guard was rushed to a health centre but was confirmed dead. Police said no visible marks of injury were observed on his body and that investigations were ongoing.
Another FCT incident involved the death of a 14-year-old boy who drowned in a canal behind Millennium Park while reportedly attempting to retrieve his shoe during rainfall. His body was recovered and taken to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
In Osun State, police detectives commenced investigation after the body of an unidentified woman was discovered inside a church premises in the Obelawo area of Osogbo. Preliminary findings indicated that the deceased had been slaughtered and that her left wrist was severed and taken away by unknown persons. The corpse was deposited at a mortuary for autopsy.
In Bauchi State, police patrol teams, local hunters and vigilantes responded to a suspected bandit attack in Sabon Jiri Village, Duguri District. One person was shot and later died in hospital, while another was abducted. Security operatives are continuing efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend the attackers.
Meanwhile, Niger State recorded a tragic boat mishap after a canoe capsized on Kudi River in Shaba Woshi Village, Katcha Local Government Area. Five persons died in the incident, with all the bodies recovered and subsequently buried according to Islamic rites.
The Force said investigations into the various incidents are being handled by the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments and the CID in Abuja.
The Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and tackling crime across the country.
