Police Rescue 10 Kidnapped Victims, Recover Stolen Arms, and Arrest Notorious Criminals Across Nigeria

In a sweeping demonstration of its renewed commitment to internal security, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has carried out a series of successful operations leading to the rescue of kidnap victims, arrests of high-profile suspects, and recovery of illegal arms across the country.

The operations, which took place between April 17 and 19, 2025, highlight what the NPF describes as “its dedication to proactively tackling crime and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.”

On April 19, 2025, at about 9:35 PM, a major breakthrough was recorded when operatives of the Faskari Division of the Katsina State Police Command foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Funtua-Gusau highway.

Acting swiftly on intelligence, the officers engaged armed bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee with bullet wounds.
Thanks to the rapid response, ten victims—comprising two drivers and eight passengers—were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.

In a related operation, on April 18, 2025, at about 11:00 AM, operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID) in Taraba State, working in synergy with local vigilantes, apprehended Umar Ahmad, 40, at a roadblock in Jalingo. Ahmad, described as “a notorious criminal wanted by the police for several months,” was found in possession of dangerous weapons.

Following interrogation, Ahmad led police operatives to Mayo Faran Village, located in Mayo Belwa Local Government Area—a border town between Taraba and Adamawa states. A thorough search uncovered two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition. Notably, one of the recovered rifles was identified as property of the Taraba State Police Command, previously stolen during a 2023 ambush that tragically claimed the life of ASP Aminu Nuhu from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

Further reinforcing their momentum, on April 17, 2025, at about 1:30 PM, police officers attached to Fegge Divisional Headquarters, Anambra State, intercepted a suspiciously parked shuttle bus along Port Harcourt Road, Upper Iweka, Onitsha.

Upon a detailed search, five pump-action guns, eight live cartridges, and two handcuffs were discovered hidden inside a bag of rice. Authorities confirmed that the bus has been taken in for forensic examination as efforts intensify to track down those responsible.

Still on the same day, at about 1:27 PM, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad/Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Anambra State, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Israel Akachukwu, at his residence on Ezeigwe Street, Nkpor, Idemili North LGA. A search of his home yielded two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, a cutlass, a yellow axe, and a dagger.
Akachukwu confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and is currently cooperating with investigators to apprehend other members of the gang.

Reacting to these successes, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and swift actions.
The IGP emphasized, “These recent successes demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of NPF officers in combating crime across the nation.”

He further reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. “The NPF urges the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information that can aid in preventing crime and ensuring public safety,” the statement concluded.

The press release was signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on April 27, 2025.