Abuja, FCT – March 24, 2025 – The Nigeria Police Force has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to internal security through a series of successful operations, resulting in the arrest of thirteen (13) suspected kidnappers and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
In a display of exceptional operational skills, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on a special assignment encountered an ambush by armed kidnappers on March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM. The incident occurred at Oshara Ganden, a border area between Kogi and Edo States.
The IRT operatives effectively countered the ambush, leading to the arrest of eight (8) suspects: Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Salisu Usman, Bashir Audu, and Jibril Haruna. Recovered from the suspects were one AK-47 rifle with 29 rounds of live ammunition, one new Israeli pump-action rifle with 4 cartridges, two pump-action rifles with 72 cartridges, a single-barrel shotgun with 2 cartridges, and two operational motorcycles.
In a separate operation on January 27, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, IRT operatives apprehended Yakubu Musa, 30, and Usman Musa, 25, both from Kaduna State. These individuals were implicated in numerous kidnapping and cattle rustling incidents in the Soba and Ikara areas of Kaduna State.
The arrest resulted in the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and 19 rounds of live ammunition, further solidifying their connection to criminal activities.
Furthermore, on January 21, 2025, three suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Lawan (24), Isiaku Abdullahi (35), and Abbas Maisaude (26), confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnapping incidents spanning Rijana, Lambata, Dandume, and Ugama in Kaduna and Niger States. Police recovered one AK-49 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and 28 rounds of live ammunition from them. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend other members of their criminal gang.
These successful operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s relentless pursuit of criminals and its dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. The Force urges the public to continue supporting its efforts by providing timely and accurate information crucial for combating crime.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has lauded the operatives involved for their courage and commitment.
He reiterated the Force’s unwavering resolve to bring all criminals to justice and assured the public that the police will continue to take decisive action against criminal elements across the country. The IGP emphasized that there will be no safe haven for criminals in Nigeria.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA
March 24, 2025