The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), under the visionary leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has recorded several significant operational successes in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.
In a statement addressed to the press on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed a successful collaboration between the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which led to the rescue or 17 kidnapped victims in Niger State.
The rescued individuals were said to be promptly taken to the Police Clinic in Kaduna for medical examination and have been certified to be in stable and sound health.
Adejobi expressed that the operation proved the IGP’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and inter-agency synergy in addressing security challenges.
He stated, “In line with the operational directives and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, geared towards tackling violent crimes, dismantling criminal networks, and enhancing public safety across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in recent operations conducted in Kaduna State.
“On 9th April 2025, in a remarkable feat of inter-agency collaboration and strategic intelligence deployment, operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), successfully rescued 17 victims who had been abducted on 3rd March 2025 from Sarkin Pawa, Niger State.
“This operation, notably achieved through a non-kinetic approach, evidences the commitment of the IGP to leveraging intelligence-led policing and inter-agency synergy to address security challenges.”
Moreso, Adejobi noted another successful operation by the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who were said to act on an Intel and intercepted a vehicle at Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna, containing 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles hidden within.
Read also: Police bust Lagos baby factory, rescue 10 victims, nab suspects
The suspect, who was said to be a 27-year-old male and a resident of the state confessed to being instructed by a union member to deliver firearms to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.
“On the same day, 9th April 2025, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acting on credible intelligence intercepted a commercial Volkswagen Sharan vehicle at the Kawo Central Motor Park in Kaduna. Upon thorough search, officers discovered 21 fabricated AK-47 rifles concealed within the vehicle.
“The suspect, identified as Jamilu Suleiman, a 27-year-old male resident of Rafin Guza, Kaduna, was arrested and is currently in custody. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was instructed by a union member to deliver the firearms to an unidentified individual in Kaduna.
A full-scale investigation has been launched to dismantle the arms trafficking network and bring all perpetrators to book. The statement reads.
Meanwhile, In another separate operation, the Police Command received a distress call with reports of an ongoing arm robbery at Doggie Farm, along Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, a credible intel that received immediate attention as the Tafa Division Divisional Police Officer (DPO), mobilized a patrol team to the scene.
Adejobi noted that the patrol team engaged the gang of about 30 armed robberies in a fierce gun battle, which led to the death of three rubbers, others fled, while one was injured and assisted in the investigation process.
He stated, “In a separate incident, on 9th April 2025 at about 0500hrs, the Police Command received a distress call from a Good Samaritan reporting an armed robbery in progress at Doggi Farm, located along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tafa Division swiftly mobilized a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, they engaged a gang of about 30 armed robbers, who had earlier invaded the premises, in a fierce gun battle. During the exchange of gunfire, two of the robbers were neutralized, while others fled towards the nearby hills.
“Two other injured suspects were apprehended and taken to the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon Wuse, for treatment. Unfortunately, one of them was later confirmed dead, while the other is alive and currently assisting the Police with further investigation.”
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and bring them to justice.” He added.