Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested three suspects, rescued 29 kidnapped victims, and recovered arms and ammunition during separate operations across Kogi, Lagos, and Katsina states.
The incidents occurred during four police operations between June 22 and June 23, 2025.
The operations facilitated the retrieval of one AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one G3 magazine, a black shirt, phone accessories, and other personal items.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, the operations reflect the police’s ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
The earliest incident occurred on Sunday, when police operatives attached to Okene Division, Kogi State, intercepted a suspicious Nissan vehicle heading towards Auchi.
The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush.
A search led to the recovery of “an AK-47 rifle, 28 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one G3 magazine, a black shirt, phone accessories, and personal belongings left inside the car”.
Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect are ongoing, Adejobi noted.
On the same day, in Katsina State, operatives responded to a report of an attack and attempted kidnapping at Mazare village.
A gun battle ensued between the police and the kidnappers.
The police said it overpowered the suspects, forcing them to flee with “gunshot wounds”, and successfully rescued “four kidnapped victims unhurt”.
On Monday, June 23, 2025, police operatives attached to the Kogi State Command, on patrol along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko road, repelled a kidnap attempt on three commercial vehicles.
Following a fierce gun duel, all 24 kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt.
Also, in Lagos State, police operatives attached to the Morogbo Division, acting on credible intelligence, responded to a kidnap report in the Ikoga area.
The victim, a 20-year-old man named Kehinde, had been “lured through WhatsApp and abducted, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of N500,000” from his family.
“Swift police action led to the arrest of three suspects: Celestine Okeke (28), Michael Okonkwo (25), and Kehinde Oladun (30). The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family” Adejobi added.
Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, urged operatives to sustain their efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.
The Force reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing, prompt operational response, and inter-agency collaboration.
The Police also urged the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies toward building a safer Nigeria.