From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Police Headquarters in Abuja said its operatives had eliminated six bandits and armed robbers during coordinated operations in Maitama, Abuja and Jigawa State.
The operations, according to Force Public Relations Officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, followed foiled kidnapping attempts, including the rescue of an abducted octogenarian and the arrest of 12 suspects.
Adejobi said an 80-year-old woman, who was kidnapped in Kano State and was being transported to the kidnappers’ den in Jigawa State was intercepted by police operatives.
He said the operation which ended in a gun duel, led to the killing of five bandits.
He said the significant breakthrough in combating violent crimes and threats to national security were the result of several coordinated operations.
Adejobi, in a statement, said: “The Nigeria Police Force, through several strings of well-coordinated operations, has once again recorded significant successes against several forms of violent crimes and threats to national security.
The operatives of the FCT Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation, successfully dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate, known for a string of high-profile robberies and vehicle thefts across the capital. Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives intercepted the gang as they prepared to strike an unsuspecting victim around the Maitama area. Upon sighting the operatives, the criminals opened fire, leading to a gun duel. One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralised during the encounter, while seven other suspects were apprehended at the scene, including Ibrahim Muhammad, 22 and ex-convict; Abubakar Abdullahi, 22; Sarajo Yusuf, 20; Sanusi Ali, 51 years; Abubakar Sani; Isiaka Adamu, another ex-convict and Abdullahi Isah. Exhibits recovered from the scene included four AK-47 rifles, two locally made pistols with 10 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, 11 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, one locally made shotgun, 2004 Toyota Camry LE and a red boxer motorcycle,
In a similar development, the Jigawa State Police Command has successfully rescued an 80-year-old kidnap victim, Hajiya Hajara, and neutralised five members of a kidnapping gang in a daring rescue operation. Recently, intelligence at the Command’s disposal revealed that a group of about 12 armed bandits had abducted the elderly woman from her residence in Sarbi village, Minjibir LGA, Kano, and had attempted to escape through Jigawa State. But in a swift and coordinated response, combined teams of police operatives attached to the Jigawa State Command mobilised alongside other local security outfits and stormed the suspected criminal hideouts between Danzomo and Medi villages.
A fierce gun battle ensued resulting in the arrest of five suspects, including the gang’s kingpin, Yahaya, 35 and five other suspects were neutralised during the exchange of fire. The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the hospital for medical evaluation, after which, she was discharged. Exhibits recovered in the operation were two AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated LAR rifle, 14 live rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles and two mobile phones.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the gallant operatives for their successful strides and appreciated the cooperation of the public, urging continued vigilance, especially in reporting suspicious movements and gatherings in their communities. The IGP further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to solidifying public safety and National Security of our great country.