The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major successes in its campaign against kidnapping and armed banditry, rescuing five kidnap victims, neutralising five suspected kidnappers, and seizing a large cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated operations in Kebbi and Abia States.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed the development in Abuja on Tuesday, said the operations were part of the renewed drive to enhance public safety and dismantle criminal networks across the country.
Successes in Kebbi State
On July 27, 2025, three villagers — Muhammad Nasamu Namata (25), Gide Namata (20) and Hamidu Alhaji Namani (35) — were abducted from Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area. Police operatives, working with sister security agencies and local vigilantes, tracked the kidnappers to Shanga Hills where a gun battle forced the criminals to abandon their captives, who were rescued unhurt.
In another encounter on August 15, police officers on patrol near Dankade Village in Danko/Wasagu LGA engaged armed bandits. Two kidnap victims — Tukur Bello (26) and Isyaka Abubakar (25) — were freed. They had been abducted while grazing cattle in Zamfara’s Gairi Forest days earlier and have since rejoined their families.
Raid in Abia State
Acting on intelligence, police stormed a kidnappers’ den at Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West LGA, Abia State. The gang, notorious for terrorising commuters around Umuozo Village and Uratta Road off Port Harcourt Road, opened fire on the operatives but were overpowered in a fierce gunfight that left five suspects dead.
A sweep of the hideout yielded six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of ammunition, 14 magazines, a double-barrel gun, operational jackets, cutlasses, an axe, mobile phones, a pair of boots, and charms. Police said follow-up operations are underway to track fleeing members of the group.
IGP Applauds Operatives
Commending the gallantry of the officers, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, urged them to sustain the offensive against violent crime.
“The Force remains resolute in its mission to rid communities of crime and create a safer Nigeria,” the IGP assured.
