The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched a series of coordinated operations across Katsina, Taraba and Anambra states, resulting in the rescue of ten kidnap victims, the arrest of several high-profile criminal suspects, and the recovery of multiple illegal firearms—including police rifles stolen during a 2023 ambush.
The Force Spokesperson ,ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a press release stated that these achievements highlight the NPF’s dedication to proactively tackling crime and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
Katsina: Ten Rescued After Highway Ambush
On the night of April 19, operatives from the Faskari Division in Katsina State intercepted a kidnapping in progress along the Funtua-Gusau highway. Acting on timely intelligence, the team engaged the bandits in a firefight, forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds. All ten hostages—two commercial drivers and eight passengers—were recovered unharmed and safely reunited with their families
Taraba: Notorious Kidnapper Leads Police to Stolen AK-47s
Early on April 18, officers from Taraba State’s State Intelligence Department (SID), working alongside local vigilantes, arrested 40-year-old Umar Ahmad at a Jalingo roadblock. Ahmad, a long-wanted criminal linked to multiple kidnappings, guided detectives to Mayo Faran village in Mayo Belwa LGA. There, investigators recovered two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 39 rounds of ammunition. One of the rifles was confirmed to belong to the Taraba State Police Command—a weapon taken during a 2023 ambush on the Anti-Kidnapping squad that left ASP Aminu Nuhu dead.
Anambra: Dual Operations Uncover Weapons Cache and Arrest Confraternity Member
On April 17 at around 1:30 PM, Fegge Division officers in Onitsha intercepted a shuttle bus parked suspiciously along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka. A search of the vehicle revealed five pump-action shotguns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs concealed inside a bag of rice. The bus was impounded for forensic examination.
Shortly thereafter, the Anambra State Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, moved to Ezeigwe Street in Nkpor, Idemili North LGA. There they arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu and recovered two additional pump-action guns, two live rounds, a cutlass, a yellow-handled axe, and a dagger. Akachukwu, who confessed membership in the Vikings Confraternity, is now assisting police in identifying other gang operatives.
The Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the professionalism and swift actions of all officers involved. “These operations exemplify the power of intelligence-led policing,” he said, reiterating the NPF’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The IGP appealed to citizens to keep sharing crucial information with law enforcement to further strengthen public safety.
