The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, has recorded significant operational successes in Delta and Katsina States, leading to the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralization of suspected criminals, and the recovery of a cache of illegal weapons.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to him, a major breakthrough was achieved in Katsina State on June 8, 2025, when a Joint Task Force (JTF) comprising Police personnel and operatives from sister agencies foiled a kidnap attempt along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa Local Government Area.
During a patrol operation, the team encountered armed bandits fleeing with abducted victims and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
The suspects were overpowered and forced to flee with gunshot injuries, while 11 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unharmed.
In a related operation in Delta State, police operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Abubakar Hassan, 30, a suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating across Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States.
During interrogation, Hassan confessed to spearheading several kidnappings along the Ughelli–Ozoro axis.
He led officers to his gang’s hideout in a forest near Ozoro, where two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 32 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
His arrest is linked to an earlier operation that resulted in the capture of three other members of the same gang.
Additionally, officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle during a routine stop-and-search along the Ughelli Road.
A detailed inspection of the vehicle uncovered one locally fabricated revolver, a pump-action single-barrel rifle, and 15 rounds of live cartridges. The driver, identified as Obi Ezekiel, 38, was promptly arrested.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by the officers involved and urged all police commands nationwide to sustain the momentum in tackling violent crimes.
The Force reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no part of the country serves as a safe haven for criminals.
