ASABA (CONVERSEER) – The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, arresting two suspects, and recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition in Katsina and Delta States.
A joint task force comprising police and other security agencies foiled a kidnapping attempt on 8th June 2025 along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The patrol team engaged a group of armed bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee with gunshot injuries. The operatives successfully rescued 11 kidnapped victims unharmed.
In a separate operation in Delta State, operatives from the Commissioner of Police-Special Assignment Team, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Abubakar Hassan, aged 30, believed to be a key member of a cross-state kidnapping syndicate. The syndicate is said to operate across Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States.
Hassan confessed to leading several abduction operations along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis and subsequently led investigators to a hideout in the Ozoro forest, where two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 32 rounds of live ammunition were recovered. His arrest follows earlier apprehensions of three other members of the same gang.
Also in Delta, officers from the Safer Highway Patrol intercepted a suspicious vehicle during a routine stop-and-search along the Ughelli road. A locally fabricated pump-action single-barrel rifle and 15 rounds of live cartridges were recovered. The driver, identified as Obi Ezekiel, aged 38, was arrested at the scene.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved, urging all commands to maintain momentum in combating violent crimes. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring that no part of the country becomes a safe haven for criminals.
The Force reiterated its dedication to sustained collaboration with sister security agencies to rid the nation of criminal elements.