The Nigeria Police Force has announced the successful neutralization of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition in a coordinated operation in Delta and Kano States.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released on Monday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Force Headquarters, disclosed that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry across the country.
According to the release, operatives attached to the Delta State Command on Thursday, April 10, 2025, arrested one Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Shehu, alleged to be the ringleader of a notorious kidnapping gang operating in the state.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to several heinous crimes including the kidnapping of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku, the abduction of the wife and daughter of Mr. Godwin Anuka in Ogwashi-Uku, which led to his murder, and the kidnap and murder of Ms. Esther Ojoh in Ibusa,” the statement read.
Usman reportedly led the police team to the gang’s hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor expressway. The operatives were said to have come under heavy gunfire from the gang members, leading to a gun duel during which four members of the gang were neutralized. The police recovered three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition at the scene.
In a separate operation in Kano State, police operatives acting on credible intelligence also made significant breakthroughs. Three suspects—Abdul Sadiq, 43; Ahmad Muazu, 22; and Aliyu Sharif, 40, were arrested at Dorayi Babba area of the state.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of 15 locally fabricated revolver rifles, 102 live cartridges, and six expended cartridges. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the illegal arms and dismantle the manufacturing network,” the police spokesman stated.
Commending the operatives for their bravery, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated the commitment of the Force to sustain the momentum in fighting violent crimes that undermine national peace and security.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, has again commended the bravery, professionalism and resolve of these gallant operatives for the feats recorded; and reassured members of the public that the Force has made it a mandate to curb violent crimes that threaten national peace and security”, the statement reads further.
