Police operatives have rescued 11 kidnapped persons in Katsina State and arrested two suspected kidnappers in separate operations in Delta State, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Headquarters.
The rescue in Katsina came after a fierce exchange of gunfire between security forces and a group of armed bandits. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the operation took place along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa Local Government Area.
A joint team of police and other security personnel was on patrol when they spotted the kidnappers attempting to move with their captives. A gun battle followed, forcing the criminals to abandon the victims and flee into the bush, many with gunshot wounds. All 11 captives were rescued without injuries.
“In Katsina State, a major breakthrough was recorded on June 8, 2025, when a Joint Task Force comprising police and other security agencies foiled a kidnap attempt along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road in Danmusa LGA…” the statement read in part.
In Delta State, police arrested a man suspected to be the leader of a kidnapping syndicate that operates across several southern states, including Rivers, Imo, and Enugu.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Abubakar Hassan, was taken into custody by the CP-Special Assignment Team after intelligence led officers to his location. During questioning, Hassan reportedly admitted to leading attacks along the Ughelli–Ozoro route and guided officers to a forest hideout in Ozoro.
Recovered from the location were two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and thirty-two live bullets. Police said the arrest came just days after other members of the same gang were captured.
In another operation in the same region, officers from the Safer Highway Patrol unit stopped a vehicle on Ughelli Road during a routine search. Inside, they found a homemade revolver pump-action gun and fifteen rounds of live cartridges. The driver, 38-year-old Obi Ezekiel, was immediately arrested.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, noted the courage and effort shown by the officers involved in these operations. He encouraged all commands to continue their current efforts to stamp out violent crime in Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in ensuring that there is no safe haven for criminals within the borders of our dear nation,” he stated.
