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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force headquarters, Abuja, said its operations to curb insecurity have yielded tremendous successes with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and gunrunners, and the recovery of firearms across several states.
The successful operations, which were propelled by credible intelligence, according to the force public relations officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, demonstrate the commitment of the force to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
Adejobi, in a statement, said, on April 25, 2025, operatives of the FID Special Tactical Squad (STS), in collaboration with operatives of the Taraba State Police Command, hunters and vigilance groups, arrested four suspected kidnappers in Mararaban Abbare, Lau LGA, while they were planning an operation.
He said the suspects, identified as Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello and Mohammed Bako, were found in possession of two AK-49 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, six magazines, and 45 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Prior to the arrest, the operatives had earlier received intelligence on a kidnapping gang terrorizing Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna states. A successful raid conducted on the hideout of the gang led to the arrest of five suspects. They were identified as Sulaiman Mohammed, Tijjani Bello, Muhammed Umar, Adamu Ibrahim, Solomon Nathaniel and Haruna Adam. They were in possession of three AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, and four AK-47 magazines.
In a similar development, on April 17, 2025, acting on intelligence, police operatives attached to Kaduna State Command apprehended one Isa Ibrahim, a suspected kidnapper, who confessed to relocating to Kaduna to establish a new gang after his accomplices were arrested in Kwara State. On the same day, operatives of the Kaduna State Command mobilized a patrol team to Lamido village, Lere LGA, where two suspected kidnappers, Sani Liman and Murtala Magaji, were apprehended and both suspects confessed to involvement in kidnapping activities in the area. Additionally, on April 18, 2025, police operatives in the state, acting on received information about the activities of suspected gunrunners, arrested two suspects, Bajo Badun and Magaji Abdullahi, who were found in possession of two fabricated AK-47 rifles, and later arrested one Ishiyaku Ali, along the Kauru-Pambegua road in possession of two locally-fabricated rifles and a long chain concealed in a sack. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has commended the efforts of the gallant operatives and assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. He further urged the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information on happenings in their environment.
