The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major breakthroughs in its intensified efforts to strengthen internal security, following the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims, the recovery of stolen police arms, and the arrest of several notorious criminal suspects across the country.
Between April 17 and 19, 2025, operatives of the Force carried out a series of coordinated operations which highlight the determination of the police leadership under Inspector-General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to combat violent crimes and ensure the safety of lives and property.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the successful operations reflect the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing being pursued by the Force.
On April 19, 2025, at about 9:35pm, operatives of the Faskari Division, Katsina State Command, acting on credible intelligence, foiled a kidnap attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the armed bandits to flee with gunshot injuries. Ten victims — two drivers and eight passengers — were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
In a related operation, on April 18, 2025, at about 11:00am, operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), Taraba State Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested a 40-year-old notorious criminal, Umar Ahmad, at a checkpoint in Jalingo.
Following interrogation, Ahmad led police operatives to Mayo Faran village in Mayo Belwa Local Government Area, a border town between Taraba and Adamawa states, where two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
Further investigation revealed that one of the rifles belonged to the Taraba State Police Command and was stolen during a 2023 ambush that claimed the life of ASP Aminu Nuhu.
In another development, on April 17, 2025, officers attached to Fegge Divisional Headquarters, Anambra State, while on patrol along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha, intercepted a suspicious shuttle bus.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs concealed inside a bag of rice. The vehicle has been subjected to forensic examination while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the culprits.
Similarly, on the same day, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anambra State Command, acting on intelligence, arrested 25-year-old Israel Akachukwu at his residence on Ezeigwe Street, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area.
A search of his apartment led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger.
The suspect, who confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity, is currently cooperating with the police to arrest other gang members.
Commending the operatives for their achievements, IGP Egbetokun lauded their “professionalism, vigilance, and prompt response,” stressing that the Force remains committed to its constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
“The Nigeria Police Force is determined to rid the country of criminals and will not relent in pursuing all those who threaten the peace and security of the nation,” the IGP stated.
The Force called on the public to continue supporting police efforts by providing credible and timely information that can aid in crime prevention and public safety.
