The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a series of operational successes across several states, leading to the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug dealers, cattle rustlers and other criminal suspects, as well as the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and illicit drugs.
In Adamawa State, police operatives, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Ba’a Usman Forest, Fufore Local Government Area, arresting two suspected kidnappers, Muhammadu Ibrahim, 35, and Isah Jahogi, 25. A locally made pistol was recovered, while investigations revealed the suspects are linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in Fufore and Jada LGAs.
In Akwa Ibom State, police raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ikot Ekpene, arresting three suspected drug dealers and recovering large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.
In Benue State, operatives arrested 19-year-old Mohammed Bilyaminu over alleged cattle rustling and the killing of one Benjamin Paul. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crimes, while efforts continue to arrest other members of the gang.
Delta State recorded multiple operational successes. Police arrested robbery suspect Jude Okonji, 30, and recovered a stolen motorcycle while preventing a mob attack on the suspect. In a separate operation, officers arrested Benjamin Omoniovo, 32, over alleged abduction, rape and fraud after he was identified by five complainants.
Another operation led to the arrest of suspected cultist Oghenebuba Mamatime, 28, with three locally made pistols and a locally made single-barrel gun recovered.
In Ebonyi State, police intercepted armed suspects blocking the road at Umuebe Roundabout, Ngbo, arresting Sunday John Obi, 38. Officers recovered a pump-action gun and two live cartridges, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplice.
Also In Edo State, police arrested suspected cultist Nosa Ehimwenma, 25, during an intelligence-led operation. A locally made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered, while the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity and provided useful intelligence to investigators.
Another operation took place In Kogi State, joint security operatives foiled a kidnapping along the Kabba–Ayere Road after launching bush-combing operations and deploying tear gas, forcing the kidnappers to abandon six victims. Two vehicles were also recovered, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining abducted passengers.
Lagos State was not left out, police arrested suspected cultist Michael Abina, 31, recovering eight live cartridges and ten sachets of tramadol. Investigators are pursuing other fleeing suspects.
In Nasarawa State, operatives arrested suspected kidnapper Halilu Alhaji Shehu after intelligence-led operations. The victim reportedly identified him as one of the abductors, while investigations continue to track down other gang members.
In Ogun State, police successfully rescued kidnapped victim Engr. Sola Boyeji during a bush-combing operation and recovered another victim’s vehicle. Rescue operations and investigations remain ongoing.
All the cases are currently under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs).
