In a decisive move against criminal elements, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested 13 suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of weapons and operational motorcycles in a series of coordinated operations across the country.
One of the most significant breakthroughs, was said to have occurred on March 11, 2025, when officers from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were ambushed by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States.
Displaying remarkable tactical skill, the operatives, according to the statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force headquarters, Abuja, Olumuyiwa Adejobi,overpowered the attackers, leading to the arrest of eight suspects.
The arrested individuals, as listed out by the police, are, Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Unar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna.
According to the statement, the suspects were found in possession of one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one Israeli pump action rifle with four cartridges, two additional pump action rifle with 72 cartridges, a single barrel shotgun with two cartridges, and two motorcycles used for their criminal activities.
In a separate operation on January 17, 2025, IRT operatives, acting on credible intelligence, the police said, apprehended Yakubu Musa (30) and Usman Musa (25) in Kaduna State.
The duo were linked to multiple cases of kidnapping and cattle rustling in Soba and Ikara. Authorities recovered three AK-47 riffle ls and 19 rounds of live ammunition from their hideout.
Similarly, on January 21, 2025,another sting operation was said to have led to the arrest of Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26)for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping.
These individuals, as announced by the police,bconfessed to their involvement in multiple abductions across Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger states.
Items announced to have been recovered from them were one AK-49 rifle , two AK-47 riffles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition. Authorities are said to be actively pursuing other members of the gang.
The NPF also issued a stern warning to criminals, emphasizing that there will be no hiding place for lawbreakers in Nigeria.
The Force urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and accurate information to aid in crime prevention.