Insecurity: Police kill seven kidnappers, rescue four in Abia, Nasarawa

In a concerted effort to combat kidnapping in the country, the operatives of the Abia State and the Nasarawa State Police Commands have successfully executed operations that resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims, the neutralisation of notorious criminals, and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement reads, “On March 9, 2025, at approximately 09:30 hours, the Abia State Police Command received reports of four individuals kidnapped while driving their Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa.

ALSO READ: Lagos: Police arrest woman, brother for robbing boyfriend

“Leveraging credible intelligence, the Command’s tactical team located the kidnappers’ hideout on March 14, 2025 in a three-bedroom bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma Local Government Area of the state

“Upon arrival, the operatives faced heavy gunfire from the kidnappers. However, the superior firepower of the tactical teams led to the neutralization of six members of the kidnapping syndicate, and the four victims were rescued unharmed.”

It explained that the operation also resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and thirty-four rounds of live ammunition, while the rescued victims were promptly taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention.

The statement further added that in a parallel effort, the Nasarawa State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, successfully neutralized a notorious kidnapper known as Abdullahi, alias “Honor,” during a joint security operation in Akwanga on March 14, this year

According to it, “the suspect, who had been on the wanted list for multiple offences, was intercepted near the Akwanga Central Mosque while attempting to evade arrest on a motorcycle.”

It explained that during the operation, the suspect brandished his arm to aid his escape but was subdued by a quick reaction from the security operatives.

According to it, “A search of the suspect yielded a Beretta pistol and twelve rounds of 9mm live ammunition while One accomplice managed to escape with gunshot wounds, and a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

It stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the operatives for their professionalism and effective collaboration, emphasising the importance of maintaining momentum in the ongoing fight against criminal elements in the country with a stern warning to all those who perpetrate crime to cease their nefarious activities or face decisive action.

The statement added, “These recent operations underscore the resilience of the Nigeria Police Force to curb gunrunning, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality. The Force is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle criminal networks and protect communities.”