Khadijat Yusuf
Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested eight suspects, and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in a series of coordinated operations across Edo, Delta, Katsina, Adamawa, Zamfara, and Bauchi states.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi while confirming the development in a statement noted that the operations reflect the Force’s renewed commitment to intelligence-driven policing aimed at tackling violent crimes, cultism, gun running, and kidnapping nationwide.
According to ACP Adejobi, the operations led to the successful rescue of kidnapped victims, the arrest of eight suspects, and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
He said, “In Edo State, two farmers identified as Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka were rescued unhurt after being abducted from their farm in the Ewatto area at about 1:00 a.m. on June 26. Acting on actionable intelligence, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, traced the kidnappers to their hideout and launched a coordinated rescue operation.
“The abductors engaged the officers in a gun duel but were overpowered and fled with gunshot injuries, abandoning the victims who were safely recovered."
In Delta State, Police operatives raided a residence in the Mosogar area following credible intelligence and the execution of a search warrant.
Two suspected cultists, Koko Josh, 29, and Asomugha Clinton, 27, were arrested. A search of the premises led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition, two locally made guns, eight live cartridges, several mobile phones, a laptop, and fetish items.
The Force spokesman said a follow-up investigations resulted in the arrest of two more individuals, Anthony Kelvin, 26, and Gift Amotsuka, 25, all of whom were confirmed members of the Aiye Confraternity,” he added.
The statement further disclosed that another operation in Okpanam, Delta State, led to the arrest of two suspects, Ekene Chroma, 36, and Okafor Jonathan, 18, found in possession of two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 rounds of live cartridges. Investigations revealed they were involved in the illegal arms trade, acting as suppliers and couriers for wanted criminals in the region.
In Katsina State, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department, Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) apprehended a 40-year-old suspect, Yunusa Ishaku, in Funtua, with two stolen vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Camry. During interrogation, Ishaku confessed to being part of a transnational vehicle theft syndicate operating in Abuja, Jos, and other cities, with stolen vehicles smuggled to the Niger Republic for resale.
ACP Adejobi said his confession led to the identification of three additional stolen vehicles, a Honda Accord, a Toyota Carina II, and another Toyota Camry in Zamfara and Bauchi states. Investigations are ongoing to recover the vehicles and apprehend other members of the ring.
In a similar development in Adamawa State, FID-IRT operatives arrested 52-year-old Alhaji Iya Bima from Kem Shithem Local Government Area. He was found with one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 50 rounds of 7.62x39mm live ammunition. Further interrogation led to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and an additional 50 rounds of ammunition.
According to the statement, all suspects are in police custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism and tactical precision. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks threatening peace and security across the country.
The IGP has also urged members of the public to remain security conscious, support police efforts, and report any suspicious activity through dedicated emergency lines or by visiting the nearest police station.
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