Law enforcement frees 12 abducted individuals, detains 15 alleged kidnappers in sweeping countrywide raids

The Nigeria Police Force disclosed on Monday that its operatives had successfully rescued 12 kidnapped victims and apprehended 15 suspects in coordinated operations spanning 11 states over the past 24 hours, with the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other exhibits.

n

These operations specifically targeted a range of criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, vandalism, impersonation, and other offenses, as outlined in a police situation report.

n

In Niger State, a joint effort by police tactical teams and local vigilantes led to a gun battle with suspected bandits at Mangoro Village in Mariga Local Government Area, resulting in the rescue of 11 unharmed kidnapped victims who were later reunited with their families.

n

A separate operation in Agaie Local Government Area saw detectives apprehend a suspect in connection with a fatal land dispute, highlighting the police's proactive approach to addressing various forms of crime.

n

In Oyo State, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad successfully rescued a five-year-old child who had been abducted, following a technology-driven investigation that led to the arrest of two suspects who allegedly confessed to demanding a ₦10 million ransom, with ₦1 million already paid.

n

Additionally, in Oyo, a stop-and-search operation in Ibadan resulted in the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and suspected illicit drugs, further demonstrating the police's commitment to combating crime.

n

In Edo State, the police arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure in Benin City, with the investigation also yielding the recovery of a Toyota Yaris car and 12 heavy-duty batteries believed to have been stolen in an earlier operation.

n

In Kano State, operatives acting on intelligence arrested a suspect accused of impersonating military personnel, from whom an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, 29 additional rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military uniforms, desert boots, and suspected fake military identity cards were recovered.

n

Similarly, in the Federal Capital Territory, a suspect was arrested in Gwagwalada during an intelligence-led operation, and a locally fabricated firearm was recovered, underscoring the police's nationwide efforts to curb criminal activities.

n

In Gombe State, the interception of a vehicle transporting two suspected stolen cows led to the arrest of two suspects, with the vehicle recovered and efforts ongoing to apprehend another suspect who escaped.

n

In Ogun State, detectives arrested four suspects in separate cases involving alleged defilement, criminal impersonation, and assault, with the police also recovering military uniforms allegedly used in the impersonation.

n

The police further deployed tactical teams to respond to violent incidents in Plateau, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Benue, and Bauchi states, where they evacuated casualties, restored public order, and launched investigations to apprehend those responsible.

n

The nationwide operations ultimately resulted in the rescue of 12 kidnap victims, the arrest of 15 suspects, and the recovery of two firearms, 60 rounds of ammunition, and two vehicles, with investigations ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects and ensure their prosecution.