The Nigeria Police Force has said it rescued five kidnap victims, neutralized five suspected kidnappers, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in separate operations in Kebbi and Abia States.
According to police spokesman, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the operations were part of intensified efforts by the Police to strengthen internal security and safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
He explained that in Kebbi State, police operatives, working in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, successfully rescued three victims abducted in Sangara Village, Shanga Local Government Area, on July 27, 2025.
The victims, 25-year-old Muhammad Nasamu Namata, 20-year-old Gide Namata, and 35-year-old Hamidu Alhaji Namani were traced to Shanga Hills, where their captors were engaged in a fierce gun battle.
According to the Police, the kidnappers were overpowered and forced to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds, paving the way for the victims’ safe rescue.
“In another operation in the same state, operatives on routine patrol around Dankade Village in Ribah District of Danko/Wasagu LGA, encountered armed bandits on August 15, 2025.
“Following a gun duel, the police rescued two victims, identified as 26-year-old Tukur Bello and 25-year-old Isyaka Abubakar.
“The men had been abducted on August 9 while grazing their cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State. Both victims were released unharmed and have since been reunited with their families”, the Police explained.
According to the statement, the operations also yielded results in Abia State, where police stormed a kidnappers’ hideout at Umuiku Obete Village in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
“Acting on intelligence, the operatives raided the den of a gang notorious for terrorizing residents and commuters along Umuozo Village and Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road.
“On sighting the police, the criminals engaged them in a gunfight but were subdued by superior firepower. Five suspected kidnappers were neutralized in the encounter.
“A search of the hideout led to the recovery of six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five handsets, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, one polo charm, and a double-barreled long gun”, noted.
The statement added that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, commended the gallantry of the officers, charging them to sustain the momentum of the nationwide crackdown on criminal networks.
He assured Nigerians that the Police would not relent in its mission to combat crime in all forms and maintain law and order across the country.