In a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crimes, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have neutralized seven suspected kidnappers, arrested five suspected armed robbers, and recovered two AK-47 rifles and five stolen vehicles in coordinated intelligence-led operations in Delta and Kaduna States.
According to a press release from the Force Headquarters, the operations were part of ongoing efforts to stem the tide of criminal activities and safeguard lives and property across the country.
In Delta State, on June 4th, 2025, operatives of the state police command, working in synergy with local vigilantes and anti-cult volunteers, stormed a known hideout of kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis. Acting on credible intelligence, the team engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, leading to the neutralization of four suspected kidnappers. One AK-47 rifle and thirteen rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the scene.
In a related development on the same day, the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Command carried out another operation along the Ughelli–Patani Road. A shuttle bus approaching Ewhereni Junction was flagged down, but its occupants opened fire in a bid to escape. A swift response from the police led to a shootout, resulting in the death of three more suspected kidnappers. One AK-47 rifle loaded with eighteen rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the vehicle. Preliminary investigations identified the suspects as part of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, police operatives recorded another success with the arrest of five armed robbery suspects linked to a series of car thefts and violent robberies. The operation followed the theft of a Toyota Hilux from the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on May 28th, 2025. The first suspect, Mohammed Kabir from Samaru Gusau in Zamfara State, was apprehended after a high-speed chase near Zaria town.
Further investigation led to the recovery of more stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Camry abandoned near the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway. Another suspect, Emmanuel Oliseh, was arrested with a stolen Honda CR-V traced back to Abuja. Additionally, three suspects – Ibrahim Bala, Abdulsalam Abdullahi, and Abdulraman Muktar – were intercepted with a 1998 model Toyota Camry, which they confessed to having stolen from Nasarawa State.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, applauded the swift and professional conduct of the officers involved, emphasizing the vital role of public collaboration and timely intelligence in policing. He urged Nigerians to continue sharing relevant information with security agencies to ensure a safer nation.
This development once again demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to securing the country and disrupting criminal networks threatening peace and public safety.