Ogona Anita
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 13 suspected kidnappers in multiple operations across different states, recovering 11 assorted rifles, 89 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, and operational motorcycles.
The arrests highlight the police force’s ongoing commitment to tackling criminal activities and ensuring internal security across the nation.
In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police detailed how operatives of the Intelligence Response Team countered an ambush and apprehended armed kidnappers along the boundary between Kogi and Edo States.
“On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, IRT operatives were en route to Edo State when they encountered an ambush at Oshara Ganden. Demonstrating exceptional tactical skills, the operatives overpowered the armed assailants, leading to the arrest of eight individuals,” the statement read.
The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, a new Israeli pump-action rifle with four cartridges, two pump-action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single-barrel shotgun with two cartridges, and two operational motorcycles.
In a separate operation on January 27, 2025, two suspected kidnappers, Yakubu Musa (30) and Usman Musa (25), both from Kaduna State, were arrested following intelligence reports linking them to a series of kidnappings and cattle rustling incidents in the Soba and Ikara regions.
The police recovered three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition from the suspects.
Further emphasising its crackdown on criminal activities, the police, on January 21, 2025, apprehended three more suspects, Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26) for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping.
The suspects, according to the police, confessed to being involved in multiple abductions in Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. The police recovered an AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition from them.
The statement reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to making the country unsafe for criminals.
“These successful operations highlight our relentless dedication to safeguarding lives and property. There will be no sanctuary for criminals in Nigeria,” Adejobi stated.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers for their bravery and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to proactive security measures.
“We will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements and ensure that justice prevails. The safety of Nigerians remains our top priority,” the IG assured.
The police urged the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate information, as collective efforts are crucial in combating crime.
