The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes and restore public confidence, with successful operations carried out across Kogi, Lagos, and Katsina States resulting in the rescue of 29 kidnapped victims, the arrest of suspected kidnappers, and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday, said on June 23, 2025, police operatives from the Kogi State Command, while on patrol along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko Road, thwarted a kidnapping attempt targeting three commercial vehicles after a fierce exchange of gunfire, all 24 victims were rescued unharmed.
According to the statement, a day earlier, on June 22, operatives from the Okene Division intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle en route to Auchi. The driver fled into a nearby forest, abandoning the vehicle.
“A thorough search revealed an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, a G3 magazine, a black shirt, phone accessories, and other personal belongings. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect,” the statement added.
Other parts of the statement read;
In Lagos State, operatives responded swiftly to a kidnapping case in the Ikoga area of Morogbo. The victim, a 20-year-old male named Kehinde, had been lured via WhatsApp and abducted, with his captors demanding a ₦500,000 ransom.
Prompt police intervention led to the arrest of three suspects, Celestine Okeke (28), Michael Okonkwo (25), and Kehinde Oladun (30), and the safe rescue of the victim, who has since been reunited with his family.
In another successful operation, officers of the Katsina State Command responded to a reported kidnapping attempt in Mazare Village.
The oPlice engaged the assailants in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat with gunshot wounds. Four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended the courage and dedication of the officers involved in these operations.
He urged them to maintain the momentum and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, rapid response strategies, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to encourage the public to stay alert, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies in the collective effort to ensure a safer and more secure nation.
