Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims, arrested three suspected terrorists, recovered ₦10.3million, arms and ammunition in nationwide sting operations.
The successful operations were a demonstration of the resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure public safety and combat all forms of criminal activities across the country.
These were disclosed in a press release, dated 20 April, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
As stated in the release, in Imo State, police operatives sustained their operational momentum against criminal elements threatening public safety.
“On April 17, 2025, at approximately 1:02 AM, police operatives, in synergy with local vigilante groups, acted on credible intelligence and stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe Local Government Area.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspected terrorists opened fire, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspects, identified as Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent ‘m’ (21yrs), Ugwu Ikenna ‘m’ (31yrs), and Ofor Kasarachi ‘m’ (37yrs), were arrested.
“Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, 18 live cartridges, mobile devices, laptops, and ₦10.3 million in cash suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping for ransom,” it was stated in the release.
In another development, police operatives of the Edo State Command, on 16 April, engaged in a gun duel with some kidnappers who had abducted 10 students.
The kidnappers were said to have abducted the 10 students who were on their to Babcock University, Illisan-Remo, Ogun State for the annual GYC Africa Conference.
The police operatives, following the news of the abduction, immediately picked up the trail of the kidnappers and upon encounter, engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“One of the kidnappers was neutralised in the process, and the 10 victims were rescued unhurt,” it was added in the release.
“Similarly, on 18 April, 2025, at about 21:15hrs, the Edo Command operatives also successfully rescued two other kidnapped victims who had been kidnapped on 14 April, 2025 at their residence in Oluoke Community of the state,” the FPRO disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the dedication of the brave and gallant officers for upholding the law and exhibiting a high level of professionalism.
Egbetokun also reaffirmed the devotion of the law enforcement agency towards protecting the lives and property of every citizen and respect for human rights.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime in all its forms,” it was stated in the release.
