The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing nationwide operations against violent crime, rescuing five Pkidnapped victims and neutralizing five suspected kidnappers in separate operations across Kebbi and Abia States.
According to a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations part of intensified efforts to bolster internal security also led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
In Kebbi State, a coordinated rescue mission involving police operatives, local vigilantes, and other security agencies successfully rescued three hostages abducted on July 27, 2025, in Sangara Village, Shanga LGA.
The victims Muhammad Nasamu Namata (25), Gide Namata (20), and Hamidu Alhaji Namani (35) were tracked to Shanga Hills, where their captors were engaged in a fierce gun battle. The kidnappers fled with gunshot wounds, leaving the victims unharmed.
In a separate operation on August 15, 2025, police officers on routine patrol in Danko/Wasagu LGA encountered armed bandits near Dankade Village in Ribah District.
A brief shootout led to the rescue of two additional victims Tukur Bello (26) and Isyaka Abubakar (25)—who had been abducted while grazing cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State, on August 9. The victims have since been reunited with their families.
In a major crackdown in Abia State, police operatives acting on intelligence stormed a kidnappers’ den in Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West LGA. The gang, believed to be behind a series of abductions along Umuozo Village and Uratta Road off Port Harcourt Road, engaged officers in a shootout. The operation resulted in the death of five suspected kidnappers.
A search of the scene uncovered a cache of weapons and items, including 6 AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, 5 mobile phones, 3 cutlasses, 5 operational jackets, and an axe, pair of boots, a polo charm, and a double-barreled long gun
Follow-up operations, the police said are underway to track down remaining members of the gang.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved.
He called on operatives nationwide to maintain momentum and intensify efforts against criminal networks across the country.
He further reassured Nigerians of the Police Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and restoring peace in all troubled regions.