The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major operational successes across the country, including the rescue of a kidnapped teenager, the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and rape suspects, as well as the recovery of firearms and other dangerous weapons.
The operations, carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Unit (VCRU) under the strategic leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, were conducted in Katsina, Delta, Osun, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Taraba and Oyo states within the last 24 hours.
In Katsina State, police operatives foiled an attempted abduction and cattle rustling operation after engaging suspected armed bandits in a prolonged gun battle along the Funtua-Dandume axis. During the operation, a 16-year-old girl, Hafiza Rabiu, who had earlier been abducted from Babbangida village in Danja Local Government Area, was rescued unhurt. The bandits fled with suspected gunshot wounds, while police launched a manhunt to recover rustled livestock.
In Delta State, four additional suspects were arrested following investigations into a cult-related attack in Igbodo that left a patrol team leader injured and a police vehicle damaged. The following day, operatives arrested two more suspects linked to a regional kidnapping syndicate, with investigations ongoing.
Police in Osun State also arrested five suspected cultists after responding to reports of sporadic gunfire in the Jatta area. Recovered from the suspects were an unregistered Toyota Sienna bus, a single-barrel gun, 10 live cartridges, a cutlass, a knife and suspected charms.
In Rivers State, operatives dismantled a kidnapping syndicate following the abduction of a female trader, Jane Ikechukwu. After coordinated intelligence-led operations, the victim was rescued and five suspects, including one Owhor Chinedu, were arrested alongside other exhibits connected to the crime.
In Ondo State, police arrested three suspected armed robbers believed to have been terrorising commuters along the Lagos-Ondo corridor. Recovered during the operation were an AK-47 rifle with 18 rounds of ammunition, an automatic Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds, a Mercedes-Benz ML350 vehicle, a battle axe and an iron cutter.
Benue State recorded the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, live ammunition and a machete after a farm attack in which the suspected assailant was fatally wounded. Later the same day, operatives arrested one Dauda after responding to reports of gunshots at a market square, recovering a double-barrel gun, three live cartridges and a knife.
In Imo State, police arrested a suspected cultist during an intelligence-led raid on a hostel in Owerri, recovering a locally fabricated pistol, live ammunition, a dagger and a suspected confraternity scarf.
Similarly, detectives in Akwa Ibom State arrested a suspect after tracing gunshots to Ikot Obong Otoro village, recovering a single-barrel gun and two expended cartridges.
In Taraba State, a joint patrol involving police operatives and local hunters arrested a 57-year-old suspect found in possession of a locally made Beretta pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition. The suspect will be charged to court after investigations.
Meanwhile, in Oyo State, police arrested two suspects for allegedly luring and raping a 16-year-old girl after offering her ₦1,500. The victim was taken for medical examination, where penetration was confirmed, while the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Nigeria Police Force said the operations underscore its sustained commitment under the leadership of IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring criminal elements are brought to justice across the country.
