Nigeria Police arrest kidnappers, recover arms in Edo, Kogi, Kaduna operations
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has conducted a series of successful operations, leading to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and the recovery of dangerous weapons. The operations, carried out by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), reaffirm the police force’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring national security.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, one of the key operations took place on March 11, 2025, at about 6:30 PM. IRT operatives on a special assignment to Edo State were ambushed by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a border area between Kogi and Edo States.
Demonstrating tactical superiority, the officers overpowered the assailants and arrested eight suspects identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna. The operation also led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, including one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one 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 another operation on January 27, 2025, IRT operatives acting on intelligence apprehended Yakubu Musa, 30, and Usman Musa, 25, in Kaduna State. The suspects were allegedly linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling in Soba and Ikara. During their arrest, three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
In addition, on January 21, 2025, security operatives arrested three suspects—Abubakar Lawan, 24, Isiaku Abdullahi, 35, and Abbas Maisaude, 26—for criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, and kidnapping.
The suspects confessed to participating in multiple kidnappings across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. Recovered from them were one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition, while efforts continue to track down their accomplices.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, praised the officers for their courage and dedication. He reiterated the police force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property while urging citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and accurate information.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no criminal finds refuge in any part of the country,” the statement read.
