In renewed efforts to curb criminal activities in the country, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have rescued 12 kidnapped victims, neutralized suspected kidnappers, and recovered a whopping sum of ₦10.3 million cash ransom along with assorted weapons in major successful operations nationwide.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement explained that in a series of successful operations, the Nigeria Police Force has demonstrated its resolve to ensure public safety and combat all forms of criminal activity.
It stated that these operations, which took place across several states in the country, led to the arrest of three suspected terrorists, recovery of significant amounts of cash, arms and ammunition, and the rescue of kidnapped victims.
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According to the statement, “In Imo State, operatives of the Force have sustained their operational momentum against criminal elements threatening public safety.”
It revealed that on April 17, 2025, at approximately 1:02 a.m., police operatives, in synergy with local vigilante groups, acted on credible intelligence and stormed a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in Okigwe LGA.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspected terrorists opened fire, resulting in a gun battle during which three suspects—Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent (21), Ugwu Ikenna (31), and Ofor Kasarachi (37)—were arrested,” the statement said.
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, eighteen live cartridges, mobile devices, laptops, and ₦10.3 million in cash suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping for ransom.
The statement added that in another development in Edo State, following the report of the abduction of 10 students en route to Babcock University for the annual GYC Africa conference on April 16, 2025, police operatives of the State Command immediately picked up the trail of the kidnappers.
“Upon encounter, the operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel. One of the kidnappers was neutralized in the process, and the 10 victims were rescued unhurt,” it stated.
It further revealed that on April 18, 2025, at about 9:15 p.m., the command operatives also successfully rescued two other kidnap victims who had been abducted on April 14, 2025, at their residence in the Oluoke community of the state.
The statement further noted that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the dedication of the brave and gallant officers and urged them to uphold the law and maintain a high level of professionalism.
The police boss reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, respecting human rights, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, adding that the Force will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime in all its forms.
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